Syringohydromyelia in Cavalier King Charles spaniels

lSyringohydromyelia secondary to foramen magnum overcrowding is described i n seven Cavalier King Charles spaniels. Clinical signs were consistent with a central spinal cord lesion. The most common signs were persistent scratc hing at the shoulder region with apparent neck, thoracic limb, or ear pain and thoracic limb lower motor neuron deficits. The diagnosis was made by ma gnetic resonance imaging. The syringohydromyelia is postulated to be a cons equence of an occipital bone malformation resulting in a small caudal fossa and cerebellar herniation. Clinical signs improved but did not completely resolve when the dogs received treatment with corticosteroids or nonsteroid al anti-inflammatory drugs.