Worried about the constant yelping of your puppy? Would the reason be something serious? Let’s understand more about Syringomyelia-a very common condition affecting dogs.
Abstract
Syringomyelia is a progressive condition due to abnormal movement of fluid inside the brain (cerebrospinal fluid) through the foramen magnum, resulting in the formation of fluid containing compartments called syrinxes inside the parenchyma of the cervical spinal cord. This can damage the nerves carrying messages to and from the brain.
This is a congenital illness most typically found in small breeds especially the Brussels Griffon and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Other breeds recognized to be affected include the Bichon Frise, Boston terrier, bull terrier, Chihuahua, French bulldog, Havanese, King Charles spaniel (the English toy spaniel), Maltese, miniature dachshunds, miniature and toy poodles, Papillon, Pomeranian, Pugs, Shih Tzu, Staffordshire bull terrier, and the Yorkshire terrier.
Etiology
- The underlying cause of syringomyelia in dogs is identified as Chiari Like Malformations (CLM):reduced volume of the caudal fossa due to small occipital bone .That is, the size of a dog’s brain is too large to fit into smaller space within the skull. This compresses the cerebellum, pons, and medulla creating the obstruction that allows for syringomyelia to happen.
- It may also be inherited down the generations.
- Neoplasms and spinal trauma are also identified as the other causes of syringomyelia.
Signs & Symptoms
The clinical features vary among the dogs and usually, there is no relation between the size of the cavity and the magnitude of symptoms. The severity increases in successive generations .Common symptoms are as follows.
- Constant yelping especially while picking up, changing direction, jumping, running
- Phantom scratching (excessive scratching of shoulder, neck, head)
- Pain during defecation
- Aggressive behavior and anxiety/depression
- Intermittent Neck pain
- Back pain
- Reluctance to jump and climb
- Hyperaesthesia (sensation of pins and needles)
- Facial rubbing
- Sleeping with head held upwards
- Deafness
- Tenderness near the shoulder, back of the neck, ear etc
- Neurological deficits like weakness, poor coordination
- Scoliosis
- Paralysis
- Seizures
- Sometimes changes in weather, atmospheric pressure can lead to pain episodes
These signs and symptoms are usually exhibited between the ages of 6 months to 3 years. Sometimes there may be no symptoms at all and is found as an incidental finding on MRI or when neurological examinations are carried out.
Based on severity, it can be graded into
- Grade 0:Normal
- Grade 1:central canal dilation less than 2 mm
- Grade 3:Syringomyelia-Central canal dilation of more than 2mm and syrinx.
Investigation and Diagnosis
The most commonly used investigation is a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI )scan of the brain and spinal cord. It is usually done under general anesthesia.
Differential Diagnosis
Conditions that appear similar to this are intervertebral disc disease, CNS inflammatory disease, vertebral abnormalities, disc spondylitis, skin diseases, ear infections etc. These conditions have to be ruled out.
Prevention
It is necessary not to breed affected dogs whether they are encountering pain or not. This is complicated as some dogs do not show their condition until later in life after they have already been bred. Hence proper and careful evaluation or monitoring has to be done before breeding.
Treatment
A surgical procedure to decompress foramen (cranial decompression ) allows normal movement of CSF by removing a bone at the back of the skull. It may reduce pain and improve neurological deficits. But there is a very high chance for recurrence and your pet may be pushed back to the agony. Medical management includes the use of drugs reducing CSF pressure, NSAIDs(non-steroids anti-inflammatory drugs), corticosteroids, painkillers etc but their long time use may lead to side effects .It is rarely fatal but very painful conditions and being a dog owner, it would be very intolerable to watch your pet under pain.
Have you ever thought that Ayurveda can help your pet to recover from this suffering?
Ayurveda, the science of life, an ancient holistic approach for the well being of all individuals holds good for animals too. Treatment options for animals have also been described well in our ancient manuscripts. These are well known for their safety and efficacy. They have no side effects. The basic principles of Ayurveda like tridosha( 3 physical forces or humors), dhatus, etc can be applied to animals too and treatments are planned accordingly. Ayurveda aims to bring back the balance of this dosha and dhatus.
In syringomyelia, mainly Vata dosha and majja dhatus are involved. Hence Vata alleviating (vatahara) and nourishing medications are used.
Planet Ayurveda For Your Support
Planet Ayurveda has got outstanding services for the well-being of living beings -be it humans or animals. Our medicines are prepared according to classical texts and are also scientifically proven.All the products of Planet Ayurveda are evidence based and carefully made by our expert panel of Ayurvedic physicians. Products are 100% organic and free of side effects. Made with a myriad of magical drugs, they eliminate the ailment of your dear pets. Following drugs can be used in the case of syringomyelia:
- Neuro Plan Syrup
- Brahmi Capsules
- Ashwagandha Capsules
- Vrihat Vatchintamani Ras
1. Neuro Plan Syrup
A miraculous polyherbal product in the form of syrup. It is enriched with the goodness of Brahmi(Bacopa monnieri) Mandukaparni(Centella asiatica), Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis) etc which have got excellent actions on the nervous system. They rejuvenate the weakened nerves and balances the mental and physical health of your pets.
Dosage: Advised to provide 10ml syrup twice daily.
2. Brahmi Capsules
An efficient mono herbal preparation in the form of capsules endowed with the wondrous plant Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) . It is excellent for brain health of your loved pets.It has got active principles like Brahmin, Monnierin , etc which has got a notable impact on the nervous system.
Dosage: 2 capsules, twice daily would be the ideal dose.
3. Ashwagandha Capsules
It is an extraordinary mono herbal preparation in the form of capsules. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a wonderous drug with a magical impact on nerves.It is endowed with withanolide, withaferin, etc which has good antioxidative and rejuvenating properties. It soothes nerves and also alleviates pain and numbness.Also helps muscles regain their strength.
Dosage: Giving 1 capsule twice daily is encouraged.
4. Vrihat Vatchintamani Ras
A classical herbomineral formulation in the form of tablets. Acts like an elixir to treat the imbalance of Vata dosha. It is enriched with Rasa Sindoora (Red sulfide of Mercury), bhasma (fine powders)of loha(iron), pravala(coral), Swarna(gold) etc macerated with aloe vera juice. It is a go- to medicine suggested by Ayurvedic experts.
Dosage:1 tablet twice daily is recommended.
Conclusion
Why leave your puppy into the world of suffering when you have got the finest solution for the problem. We assure your beloved’s well being and bring them back to fitness. Act wisely and enjoy the happiness of your pets. In case of any query kindly visit www.PlanetAyurveda.com.