Home » Diseases » In dogs » Syringomyelia and Chiari-like Malformation (Skull and Spinal Cord Abnormalities with Fluid-Filled Cavities)

Syringomyelia and Chiari-like Malformation (Skull and Spinal Cord Abnormalities with Fluid-Filled Cavities) in Dogs

Occurrence: rarer
Location of illness: Head/Neck

Author: Dr. med. vet. Gisa Löwe | Last modified: 06.11.2025

Syringomyelia (SM) is a neurological disorder in which fluid-filled cavities, called syrinxes, form in a dog’s spinal cordThe spinal cord is a long, narrow bundle of nerve tissue located in the spinal canal of the vertebral column. It is part of the central nervous system and transmits nerve impulses between the brain and body.. Chiari-like malformation, also known as skull abnormality, is a structural disorder in which the posterior part of the skull is too small, causing the cerebellum and brainstem to be pushed into the spinal cordThe spinal cord is a long, narrow bundle of nerve tissue located in the spinal canal of the vertebral column. It is part of the central nervous system and transmits nerve impulses between the brain and body.. Both conditions often occur simultaneously and are particularly common in certain dog breeds.

The most important facts at a glance

Syringomyelia and Chiari-like malformation are neurological disorders in dogs caused by abnormal structures in the skull and spinal cordThe spinal cord is a long, narrow bundle of nerve tissue located in the spinal canal of the vertebral column. It is part of the central nervous system and transmits nerve impulses between the brain and body.. In Chiari-like malformation, the posterior skull is too small to fully accommodate the cerebellum, which disrupts cerebrospinal fluidCerebrospinal fluid is a clear, colorless liquid that surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord. It acts as a shock absorber and is involved in regulating the chemical environment of the CNS (central nervous system). flow and leads to the formation of fluid-filled cavities in the spinal cordThe spinal cord is a long, narrow bundle of nerve tissue located in the spinal canal of the vertebral column. It is part of the central nervous system and transmits nerve impulses between the brain and body.. These conditions are often genetic and commonly occur in certain breeds such as the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Symptoms include neck pain, uncoordinated gait, and occasional paralysisParalysis is the complete loss of muscle activity in one or more areas of the body, which can lead to immobility and loss of sensation. Paralysis can be caused by injuries, illnesses, or disorders of the nervous system..

DiagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. is usually made by clinical examination and advanced imaging techniques such as MRI. Treatment aims to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life, often through pain management and in some cases surgery to reduce pressure and normalize cerebrospinal fluidCerebrospinal fluid is a clear, colorless liquid that surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord. It acts as a shock absorber and is involved in regulating the chemical environment of the CNS (central nervous system). flow. The prognosisThe prognosis is the prediction of the likely course and outcome of a disease based on the general state of health, the nature of the disease, and the response to treatment. It can provide information on how a disease is expected to develop. varies depending on the severity and response to treatment. Early diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. can slow the progressionProgression refers to the advancement or worsening of a disease over time. It describes an increase in the severity or extent of the disease symptoms. of the disease.

PreventionPrevention includes measures taken to prevent diseases or injuries. In veterinary medicine, this includes vaccinations, parasite control, and health monitoring. is possible through responsible breeding practices by conducting genetic testing on breeding animals. Research focuses on genetic, anatomical, and therapeutic aspects to develop better diagnostic and treatment approaches. Interdisciplinary collaborations among scientists promote the development of new therapeutic strategies that could improve the quality of life of affected dogs. A healthy lifestyle can also help reduce the risk of complications.

Causes

Syringomyelia occurs when the normal flow of cerebrospinal fluidCerebrospinal fluid is a clear, colorless liquid that surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord. It acts as a shock absorber and is involved in regulating the chemical environment of the CNS (central nervous system)., the fluid that surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cordThe spinal cord is a long, narrow bundle of nerve tissue located in the spinal canal of the vertebral column. It is part of the central nervous system and transmits nerve impulses between the brain and body., is disrupted. This disruption can be caused by Chiari-like malformation, in which there is not enough space in the posterior skull area to accommodate the entire cerebellum, leading to congestion and ultimately the formation of syrinxes in the spinal cordThe spinal cord is a long, narrow bundle of nerve tissue located in the spinal canal of the vertebral column. It is part of the central nervous system and transmits nerve impulses between the brain and body..

Chiari-like malformation is usually genetic and occurs frequently in certain dog breeds, especially the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. For this reason, genetic factors are believed to play an essential role in the development of these diseases. In addition, there is evidence that environmental factors and possibly other genetic mutations may play a role, although the exact mechanisms are not yet fully understood.

In Chiari-like malformation, the malformation of the skull is such that the posterior skull area, which normally houses the cerebellum, is too small. This causes parts of the cerebellum and brainstem to be pushed through the foramen magnum, the large opening at the base of the skull, into the spinal canal. This condition can obstruct the flow of cerebrospinal fluidCerebrospinal fluid is a clear, colorless liquid that surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord. It acts as a shock absorber and is involved in regulating the chemical environment of the CNS (central nervous system)., which in turn causes pressure differences and the formation of cavities in the spinal cordThe spinal cord is a long, narrow bundle of nerve tissue located in the spinal canal of the vertebral column. It is part of the central nervous system and transmits nerve impulses between the brain and body..

Symptoms

Very common symptoms:

Common symptoms:

Rare symptoms:

The symptoms of syringomyelia vary depending on the severity of the disease and the size and location of the syrinx. Common symptoms include pain in the neck and shoulder area, which is often triggered by touch or movement. Dogs may show signs of discomfort or pain when led by the collar.

Other symptoms include neurological deficits such as weakness or paralysisParalysis is the complete loss of muscle activity in one or more areas of the body, which can lead to immobility and loss of sensation. Paralysis can be caused by injuries, illnesses, or disorders of the nervous system. of the limbs, coordination problems (ataxia), and in some cases convulsions. Dogs with this condition often exhibit “air scratching”, in which they scratch into the air without touching the skin, which is due to a malfunction of the nerves.

Similar symptoms can occur with Chiari-like malformation, with dogs possibly also showing signs of headaches or behavioral changes. Because the condition affects the brain, changes in the dog’s behavior or personality may also be observed.

Diagnosis

The diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. of syringomyelia and Chiari-like malformation is based on a thorough clinical examination and advanced imaging techniques. An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is the primaryPrimary refers to the first or original cause of a disease or condition, as opposed to secondary causes or symptoms that develop from it. diagnostic tool to visualize the presence of syrinxes in the spinal cordThe spinal cord is a long, narrow bundle of nerve tissue located in the spinal canal of the vertebral column. It is part of the central nervous system and transmits nerve impulses between the brain and body. and the structural abnormalities of the skull.

In addition to imaging procedures, a neurological examination can be performed to determine the degree of neurological impairment. An experienced veterinarian or neurologist will assess the symptoms and interpret the imaging results to make a final diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients..

Therapy

The treatment of syringomyelia and Chiari-like malformation aims to alleviate symptoms and improve the quality of life of the affected dog. Pain management is an essential part of the treatment and may include the use of analgesics such as non-steroidalNon-steroidal refers to medications or substances that are not steroids and often have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, or antipyretic effects. They are used in dogs and cats to treat Pain and Inflammatory conditions. anti-inflammatory drugsAnti-inflammatory drugs are medications that reduce inflammation. They can be divided into nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids and are used in dogs and cats to reduce Inflammatory conditions and Pain. (NSAIDsNSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) stands for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, a class of medications used to relieve pain, reduce inflammatory conditions, and lower fever without using steroidal agents. They are a commonly used pain reliever in veterinary medicine.) or stronger medications such as opioids.

In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to reduce pressure on the spinal cordThe spinal cord is a long, narrow bundle of nerve tissue located in the spinal canal of the vertebral column. It is part of the central nervous system and transmits nerve impulses between the brain and body. and improve the flow of cerebrospinal fluidCerebrospinal fluid is a clear, colorless liquid that surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord. It acts as a shock absorber and is involved in regulating the chemical environment of the CNS (central nervous system).. A commonly performed surgery is foramen magnum decompression, in which part of the posterior skull is removed to create more space for the cerebellum and normalize cerebrospinal fluidCerebrospinal fluid is a clear, colorless liquid that surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord. It acts as a shock absorber and is involved in regulating the chemical environment of the CNS (central nervous system). flow.

In addition to drug and surgical treatment, physical therapyTherapy refers to the treatment of diseases or disorders with the aim of alleviating symptoms, promoting healing, or improving quality of life. Therapies can be medicinal, surgical, or through other medical interventions. and an adapted lifestyle can help alleviate symptoms and improve the dog’s mobility. This includes special exercises to strengthen the muscles and promote mobility.

Prognosis and follow-up care

The prognosis for dogs with syringomyelia and Chiari-like malformation varies greatly and depends on the severity of the disease and the response to treatment. With early diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. and appropriate treatment, many dogs can maintain a good quality of life, although they may be dependent on pain medication for life.

Dogs that respond well to surgical procedures can also experience a significant improvement in symptoms. However, the surgery is not without risks, and not all dogs are suitable candidates for a surgical procedure.

In severe cases, where symptoms cannot be adequately controlled or the neurological impairments are severe, the dog’s quality of life can be severely affected, which can lead to a shortened life expectancy.

Prevention

Since Chiari-like malformation has a genetic component, breeding control is one of the most effective methods of preventionPrevention includes measures taken to prevent diseases or injuries. In veterinary medicine, this includes vaccinations, parasite control, and health monitoring.. Responsible breeding practices, including genetic testing of potential breeding animals and avoiding animals with a known predispositionA predisposition is an innate inclination or susceptibility of an organism to certain diseases or conditions. In dogs and cats, there may be a genetic predisposition to certain conditions such as hip dysplasia or certain heart diseases. to the disease, can help reduce the incidenceIncidence refers to the number of new cases of a disease or condition that occur within a specific time period in a specific population group. It provides information about the risk of contracting the disease. of these diseases.

In addition, it is important that breeders and owners of breeds predisposed to these diseases are aware of the symptoms and seek veterinary advice early if they notice any signs of problems. Early diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. and treatment can help slow the progressionProgression refers to the advancement or worsening of a disease over time. It describes an increase in the severity or extent of the disease symptoms. of the disease and improve the quality of life of the affected dog.

A healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding excessive stressStress refers to the state of an organism reacting to external stimuli or demands. In veterinary medicine, stress can have physical or psychological effects on animals, impacting their health and well-being. on the neck and back, can also help reduce the risk of complications in dogs with a genetic predispositionA predisposition is an innate inclination or susceptibility of an organism to certain diseases or conditions. In dogs and cats, there may be a genetic predisposition to certain conditions such as hip dysplasia or certain heart diseases..

Outlook on current research

Syringomyelia and Chiari-like malformation in dogs are complex neurological disorders that are particularly common in certain dog breeds, including Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and other brachycephalic breeds. These conditions are characterized by abnormal skull and spinal cordThe spinal cord is a long, narrow bundle of nerve tissue located in the spinal canal of the vertebral column. It is part of the central nervous system and transmits nerve impulses between the brain and body. structures that can lead to fluid-filled cavities in the spinal cordThe spinal cord is a long, narrow bundle of nerve tissue located in the spinal canal of the vertebral column. It is part of the central nervous system and transmits nerve impulses between the brain and body.. These abnormalities cause pain and neurological symptoms in affected dogs.

Current research focuses on the genetic, anatomical, and pathophysiological aspects of these diseases. Scientists are investigating the genetic markers associated with susceptibility to syringomyelia and Chiari-like malformation. By identifying these genetic factors, researchers hope to develop breeding strategies that reduce the risk of these diseases.

Another significant area of research is the improvement of diagnostic methods. Imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)Magnetic resonance imaging is an imaging technique that uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the inside of the body. It is used in veterinary medicine to diagnose diseases of the brain, spine, and other organs. are constantly being developed to increase diagnostic accuracy and detect the disease at an earlier stage. Early diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. is crucial to improve the quality of life of affected dogs and to develop appropriate treatment plans.

In the therapeutic field, intensive research is being conducted to develop new treatment approaches. Currently, pain management and surgical interventions are at the forefront of treatment options. However, researchers are also investigating the effectiveness of drugs that target the underlying mechanisms of the disease to alleviate symptoms and slow the progressionProgression refers to the advancement or worsening of a disease over time. It describes an increase in the severity or extent of the disease symptoms. of the disease.

Interdisciplinary collaborations are another important aspect of ongoing research. Veterinarians, geneticists, neurologists, and radiologists work closely together to gain a more comprehensive understanding of syringomyelia and Chiari-like malformation. This collaboration promotes the exchange of knowledge and accelerates progress in the development of more effective diagnostic and treatment approaches.

Overall, research on syringomyelia and Chiari-like malformation in dogs is a dynamic field that is constantly generating new insights. Advances in genetic research, imaging technology, and therapeutic development offer hope that affected dogs will be able to enjoy a better quality of life in the future.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What is syringomyelia in dogs? Syringomyelia is a neurological disorder in which fluid-filled cavities form in a dog’s spinal cordThe spinal cord is a long, narrow bundle of nerve tissue located in the spinal canal of the vertebral column. It is part of the central nervous system and transmits nerve impulses between the brain and body.. These cavities can put pressure on the nerve tissue and cause various symptoms, including pain, lameness, and neurological deficits.
Which dog breeds are most commonly affected? The disease is particularly common in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, but other brachycephalic breeds such as French Bulldogs and Pugs can also be affected.
What is a Chiari-like malformation? A Chiari-like malformation is a structural abnormality in which parts of the cerebellum are displaced into the spinal canal. This malformation can impair the normal flow of brain fluid and lead to the development of syringomyelia.
How is syringomyelia diagnosed? The diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. is usually made by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)Magnetic resonance imaging is an imaging technique that uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the inside of the body. It is used in veterinary medicine to diagnose diseases of the brain, spine, and other organs., which provides detailed images of the brain and spinal cordThe spinal cord is a long, narrow bundle of nerve tissue located in the spinal canal of the vertebral column. It is part of the central nervous system and transmits nerve impulses between the brain and body. and allows the detection of fluid-filled cavities.
Can syringomyelia and Chiari-like malformation be cured? There is currently no cure for these diseases, but the symptoms can be treated with a combination of pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugsAnti-inflammatory drugs are medications that reduce inflammation. They can be divided into nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids and are used in dogs and cats to reduce Inflammatory conditions and Pain., and in some cases surgical procedures.
What symptoms do affected dogs experience? Symptoms can include variable pain, itching on the neck or head, lameness, weakness, coordination disorders, and in severe cases paralysisParalysis is the complete loss of muscle activity in one or more areas of the body, which can lead to immobility and loss of sensation. Paralysis can be caused by injuries, illnesses, or disorders of the nervous system..
How can the quality of life of an affected dog be improved? Early diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. and an individually tailored treatment plan are crucial. Regular veterinary check-ups, appropriate medication, and possibly physical therapyTherapy refers to the treatment of diseases or disorders with the aim of alleviating symptoms, promoting healing, or improving quality of life. Therapies can be medicinal, surgical, or through other medical interventions. can help alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.
Are there genetic tests for syringomyelia and Chiari-like malformation? Currently, there are no specific genetic tests that can directly diagnose syringomyelia or Chiari-like malformation, but research is underway to identify genetic markers.
How can the risk of syringomyelia be reduced in breeding dogs? Responsible breeding practices, including the selectionSelection refers to the process of natural or artificial selection of specific individuals for reproduction, based on desired genetic traits. In breeding, this is applied to promote specific characteristics in dogs and cats. of parent animals without symptoms or with confirmed negative MRI findings, can reduce the risk of passing on these diseases.
What advances have been made in the treatment of syringomyelia? Advances in treatment include the development of new drugs to better control symptoms and surgical techniques that aim to reduce pressure on the spinal cordThe spinal cord is a long, narrow bundle of nerve tissue located in the spinal canal of the vertebral column. It is part of the central nervous system and transmits nerve impulses between the brain and body. and slow the progressionProgression refers to the advancement or worsening of a disease over time. It describes an increase in the severity or extent of the disease symptoms. of the disease.