Convincing evidence has shown that these calcium channels are involved in the persistence of pain ( 19). While their mechanisms of analgesia remain unknown, they are believed to decrease the release of glutamate, an excitatory neurotransmitter, via binding to the alpha2-delta subunit on voltage dependant calcium channels in the dorsal horn ( 17, 18). Gabapentin and Pregabalin (Lyrica, Pfizer), second generation antiepileptics, have shown promise for alleviating pain within the central nervous system ( 15, 16). Specific to the central nervous system, corticosteroids are thought to decrease the production of phospholipase A2 ( 11), a powerful regulator of inflammatory cascades, inhibit the expression of cytokines, and decrease the release of substance P ( 13, 14). Treatment was initiated with prednisone 0.5 mg/kg orally twice daily and gabapentin (Neurontin, Pfizer Canada, Kirkland, Quebec) 10 mg/kg orally 3 times daily. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain revealed CM with severe cerebellar crowding secondary to a caudal occipital malformation, kinking of the brainstem, caudal cerebellar herniation, occlusion of CSF passage through the foramen magnum, and SM affecting the cervical spinal cord ( Figure 1). The 2 following cases, recently presented to the Ontario Veterinary College Teaching Hospital, illustrate the variability in clinical signs that can be observed in dogs afflicted with CM/SM.Ī 3-year-old, spayed female CKCS was presented with a progressive 6-month history of mild paraparesis, cervical hyperesthesia, and frequent episodes of aggressively scratching at her neck and face. Occasionally, the presence of CM/SM is found as incidental findings while investigating another neurologic condition ( 11). Along with the CKCS breed, this condition has been reported in Pekingese dogs, Maltese terriers, miniature dachshunds, fox terriers, lhasa apsos, pomeranians, Yorkshire terriers, and a Samoyed dog ( 4, 8– 10). The incidence of CM in the CKCS breed is an estimated 95% and current studies suggest that SM is present in more than 50% of dogs with CM ( 7) with approximately 35% of affected dogs exhibiting clinical signs ( 2). Recent data suggest that CM in the Cavalier King Charles spaniel (CKCS) is inherited ( 3, 7). Other documented etiologies causing SM in the dog include spinal trauma ( 4) and neoplasia in the region of the brainstem or foramen magnum ( 5, 6). This malformation of the caudal fossa is known as a Chiari-like malformation (CM), a condition that appears similar to Chiari type I malformation in humans. A cause of SM in veterinary medicine is a reduced volume of the caudal fossa secondary to an inappropriately small occipital bone ( 2, 3). Although the exact etiology and pathogenesis are unknown, SM is thought to develop secondary to an obstruction of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow at the level of the foramen magnum ( 2). The RSPCA also has a checklist which we suggest that you go through to ensure you have thought about everything from being prepared, the type of dog for you, caring for your puppy, and ensuring you get your puppy or dog from a reputable breeder or shelter.Syringomyelia (SM) is defined as a condition that results in the development of fluid-containing cavities within the parenchyma of the spinal cord as a consequence of abnormal cerebrospinal fluid movement through the foramen magnum ( 1). See here for our suggestions on what you should be considering before purchasing a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and check the RSPCA’s Smart Puppy and Dog Buyer’s Guide it is an excellent resource detailing the questions you should be asking yourself and your breeder. The families on this list receive access to available litters before they are released to the general public.Ĭontact us for more information on how this works or to join the Banksia Park Puppies Priority List.Įnsure you are buying ethically. After this you will be put on our priority list for Banksia Park Puppies Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. First you contact us to register your interest and place a *refundable $100 deposit. To get first look at the next litter/s of Banksia Park Puppies Cavalier King Charles Spaniels you need to be on our priority list.
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