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Cluj Vet J 2022, 27, 1 http://clujveterinaryjournal.ro 

Communication 

Etiopathogenetic mechanism in dogs with syringomyelia 

Caroline Maria Lacatus 

1 Student, University of Agricultural Science and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Manastur, no. 3-5, 

400372, Cluj, Romania ; carolinelacatus@yahoo.com 

* Correspondence: carolinelacatus@yahoo.com; Tel.: 0757225229 

Abstract: Syringomyelia (MS) is a condition characterized by the development of cavities in the parenchyma of the spinal cord (sirinx). 

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (CKCS) dogs have a high incidence of Chiari malformation. The breed was born in 1928, from dogs of 

the King Charles Spaniel breed, a favorite dog of royal and noble families, with the aim of recreating a dog similar to the one present 

in the portraits of King Charles II, during the restoration period. The CKCS breed is native to the United Kingdom, being composed 

of small brachycephalic specimens - toy, a distinctive feature of the breed being the flattened and miniaturized appearance of the 

head (Rusbridge & Knowler, 2003). 

Syringomyelia is a topical and real interest topic in canine neuropathology, representing the topic of numerous researches, both due 

to the many unknowns of the evolution of the diseases, and the fact that at present there is no effective treatment. 

Keywords: Central nervous system, genetic predisposition, CT exam, behavioral changes, nervous symptoms 

 

1. Introduction 

In dogs, the etiology of syringomyelia is not fully known, but in the case of Cavalier 

King Charles Spaniel and Griffon de Bruxelles, syringomyelia may occur as a result of 

gene modification. BMP 3 (bone morphogenetic protein 3) is the gene responsible for reg-

ulating the harmonious development of the skull and spinal cord, so that the extreme 

brachycephalic conformation of these breeds is associated with Chiari malformation and 

syringomyelia. Two chromosomal loci were identified - CFA 22 and CFA 26, which are  

associated with the presence of a reduced volume of the caudal cranial fossa and with 

the modified orientation of the caudal cranial fossa, characteristic of Chiari malformation 

and syringomyelia 1 (Miller & Zachary, 2017), 2 (Schoenebeck, et al.,2012). 

 

2. Receptivity 

 Syringomyelia (MS) are commonly diagnosed in Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and 

Griffon de Bruxelles breeds, but are also found in other brachycephalic breeds, includ-

ing: Chihuahua, Maltese Bichon, Pomeranian, Pug, French Bulldog, Yorkshire terrier, 

Boston terrier, but and their mestizos (Dewey, et al., 2005) (Rusbridge, 1997). 

Syringomyelia are rarely diagnosed in cats, however recent studies have indicated the 

presence of MS in cats, especially in brachycephalic breeds. 

In the literature, syringomyelia has rarely been described in other animal species, espe-

cially in horses and calves, in most cases being a congenital disease, not being correlated 

with MC (Chiari-like malformation). 

 

 3. Etiopathogenesis 

One of the most common causes of syringomyelia (MS) is Chiari-like malfor-

mation (MC), secondary to volume mismatch between the caudal cranial fossa 

Received: 7 December 2021 

Accepted: 22 February 2022 

Published: 28 June 2022 

DOI:10.52331/cvj.v27i1.33 

 

 

Copyright: © 2022 by the authors. 

Submitted for possible open access 

publication under the terms and 

conditions of the Creative Commons 

Attribution (CC BY) license 

(http://creativecommons.org/licenses

/by/4.0/). 



Cluj Vet J 2022, 27, 1 22 
 

(too small) and brain tissue (too large), altered CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) circula-

tion, and subarachnoid space compression (Freeman, et al., 2014) (Rusbridge, 

2014). In addition to MC, syringomyelia can also be associated with many pathol-

ogies that cause CSF obstruction. However, it is unclear why only some dogs di-

agnosed with Chiari-like malformation (MC) develop MS and others do not. 

Other causes besides MC that can lead to syringomyelia are CSF obstruction (ne-

oplasms), trauma, constrictive lesions of the spinal cord or space-occupying pro-

cesses in the spinal cord. In a study conducted in 2013 3 (by Driver et al.) in dogs 

with and without MS, pulsation cerebellar was assessed during the cardiac cycle 

using magnetic resonance imaging. These findings support theories of the patho-

genesis of syringomyelia secondary to Chiari malformation in human medicine, 

highlighting the similarities between canine and human patients.  

There can be many factors that influence the pathogenesis, among which we list 

intracranial hypertension, blood-brain barrier disturbances, imbalance between 

CSF production and absorption, or insufficiency of extracellular fluid absorption 

or drainage (Hemley, et al., 2012). 

5. Physiopathology of syringomyelia 

Due to the underdeveloped caudal cranial fossa, its small volume cannot fully encompass 

brain tissue. This abnormality leads to the herniation of the cerebellum, thus obstructing 

the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) through the foramen magnum (FM), and the CSF 

pressure exerted on the CNS (central nervous system) is inconsistent CSF flow disturb-

ance as well as pressure variations seem to play an important role in development of sy-

ringomyelia. Cerebellar herniation appears to be a component of MS. (Fig.2). It is common 

in cases of MS, but the presence or size does not anticipate the formation of MS. An expla-

nation by which herniation cerebellar contributes to the pathogenesis of MS is that ob-

struction of CSF channels occurs in the foramen magnum, but there must be other predis-

posing factors. (Cerda-Gonzalez, et al., 2009b) (Lu, et al., 2003). 

Another important factor included in the pathogenesis of MS is CSF circulation. Changes 

in speed, turbulence and disturbances in CSF circulation can lead to the formation of in-

tramedullary cavities. A high rate of CSF flow recorded in the foramen magnum along 

with a lower rate of CSF flow in the cervical vertebrae C2-C3 are considered predisposing 

factors in the formation of MS. 

Intracranial pressure is higher than in the cervical portion of the spinal cord, so when there 

are rapid increases in pressure, CSF converges to the cervical region. Inside the spinal 

cord, the pressure tends to increase faster in the lumbar region than in the cervical area, 

further favoring CSF movement toward the cervical portion of the spinal cord. 

(Rusbridge, et al., 2000) (Kirberger, et al., 1997) 

Due to the direct link between MS and CSF circulation disturbances, the size of the cere-

bral ventricles correlates with the size of the medullary cavities.CKCS dogs diagnosed 

with MC and MS have smaller jugular foramen (jugular hole) compared to CKCS patients 

diagnosed only with MC. Because of this, the venous shaft at the level of the jugular hole 

is reduced and associated with a small cranial base, leading to increased venous pressure 

and reduced absorption of CSF, predisposing factors in the formation of intramedullary 

cavities. (Rusbridge, et al., 2009a) (Schmidt, et al., 2012). 



Cluj Vet J 2022, 27, 1 23 
 

Another cause of reduced CSF absorption is low sinus volume in CKCS patients diagnosed with MC and 

MS. Reduced venous sinus volume leads to increased intracranial pressure and secondary to improper CSF 

reabsorption. 

3. Discussions 

The pathophysiology of syringomyelia is still unclear, several theories are exposed in the literature. How-

ever, the full mechanism is not fully understood, and has been the subject of intense research in recent years. 

It is important to note that the tubular formations in the spinal cord parenchyma, which does not involve 

the central medullary canal, are defined as syringomyelia (sirinx), while hydromyelia is defined as a dilation 

of the central canal of the spinal cord. These two cavities can communicate with each other, but it is difficult 

to highlight this communication. In the early stages, the cavities are located dorsally and laterally by the 

central medullary canal, in the gray matter. The medullary tissue around the cavities is edematous. If syrin-

gomyelia is causing signs and symptoms that interfere with the life of animal, it is recommended a treatment 

based on Gabapentin at 10 mg/kg orally every 8 to 12 h as a primary treatment for several symptoms like: 

neck and back pain on palpation, abnormal scratching, episodes of sudden vocalizing or in advanced stages 

is necessary surgery. The goal of surgery is to remove the pressure the syrinx places on your spinal cord and 

to restore the normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid. This can help improve the symptoms and nervous system 

function (Fig. 1). 

4. Conclusion 

Overall, the prognosis for CM/SM-affected dogs depends on the severity of clinical signs and on the response 

to medication. Chiari-like malformation and syringomyelia is a progressive condition in those dogs that are 

affected clinically. Some dogs will need constant dose adjustments to adequately treat their symptoms. Un-

fortunately, some dogs afflicted with severe and disabling pain do not respond to medical management and 

are surgical candidates. 

 

 

Fig.1 Differences between a healthy dog and a 

dog with Syringomyelia (https://www.fron-

tiersin.org/arti-

cles/10.3389/fvets.2018.00280/full) 

 

 Fig. 2 Chiari malformation and Syringomyelia seen on a CT image 

(https://www.vin.com/apputil/content/de-

faultadv1.aspx?id=5328340&pid=11349&print=1) 

 

 

 

 

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2018.00280/full
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2018.00280/full
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2018.00280/full
https://www.vin.com/apputil/content/defaultadv1.aspx?id=5328340&pid=11349&print=1
https://www.vin.com/apputil/content/defaultadv1.aspx?id=5328340&pid=11349&print=1


Cluj Vet J 2022, 27, 1 24 
 

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