Canine Chiari Malformation - From the Expert

Welcome to the first in the series on Canine Chiari-like malformation and syringomyelia. Our understanding of Canine Chiari malformation has changed a great deal since my first description over two decades ago. Initially we thought that a cerebellar herniation was the most important feature. However, the condition is considerably more complex than that. It is characterised by a change in shape of the entire skull and brain and also the junction between the skull and the neck vertebrae. There is a neuroparenchymal disproportion - the “box” (skull and cranial cervical vertebrae) is too “short” for the contents (brain and cranial cervical spinal cord) resulting in brain and spinal cord overcrowding and reduced compliance. This results in pain and in some cases syringomyelia (fluid cavitation of the spinal cord). In this video I explain the conformational (head shape) changes in Canine Chiari malformation.
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[@Gaby-mb8qj]

Thanks so much for this excellent explanation video and sharing for free. You have been working on this topic for so many years. Thanks of your study work and the many publications, the knowledge and understanding of this disease (or overbreeding) could be expanded. It is tragic that the breeding goal, despite all the knowledge, has not yet been revised "... the sweet, gentle, melting expression emanating from large, round eyes is a breed hallmark...." and that judges at shows rate dogs with a clear disposition to CM/SM as excellent. As long as humans still find dogs with a childish appearance "cute" and do not (want to) notice how the animals have to suffer for it, nothing will probably change.Thank so much, Clare, for your intensiv study work and your educational work for veterinarians and dog owners and thanks to all the people, which are committed to healthy dogs! PS - Thank you also for pointing out that snoring is "not normal" - and it is certainly not "sweet"..

[@clare-neurovet]

thank you for your kind words and sage comments

[@JohnnyLeuthard]

Thank you for this video. We have a Cav and did not know about this condition until one day our little nut (Siggy) woke from a sound sleep just yelping like he was in severe pain. The ER thought it was a herniated disk but after several vet visits, neuro Vets and eventually an MRI he was diagnosed with this condition. That day he was yelping was very frightening. He went on for a couple min. Knowing there's not a lot to do for him is heartbreaking. He's on meds and so far our Nero vet is pleased with his condition not getting worse. It actually got a little better. Although there are some signs he may have declined a little so that really sucks. But he is happy and loved and spoiled so he has that going for him. It was nice to see a good explanation of the condition and I look forward to future videos to help me better understand his condition and possible options to help him live the most conmfortable life.

[@clare-neurovet]

Sorry to hear about Siggy's problems - the crying from sleep is a common sign. Sounds like he is getting good support and treatment from you and your vets. I will be discussing clinical signs and management in upcoming content

[@lindachrisdowey8309]

Thank you so much for providing such a clear explanation and videos demonstrating the changes between normal vs not.

[@clare-neurovet]

thank you for your kind words - I am glad (relieved) that it was clear as it is such a complex subject

[@huma2000es]

Great to see you are sharing all your wisdom with us!!

[@clare-neurovet]

thank you !

[@carolrepton4757]

Such a brilliant explanation. Also made me feel sad thinking of Ella my CKCS who also had fluid on the brain. Thank you Clare

[@clare-neurovet]

Ella will always have a place in my heart - such a sweet girl

[@carolrepton4757]

Thank you Clare @@clare-neurovet

[@J_Rusbridge24]

Wow loved this video!

[@torinn1]

Fab idea to start a channel, Clare. Lovely to have access to your knowledge still! Hope you're well

[@clare-neurovet]

I am very well and thank you for your appreciation

[@kadekelly4478]

Thank you for this, Clare. Had a dog pass away from Neonatal Syringomyelia when I was young. It is not a thing I would wish on any living creature. Was wondering if you perhaps have any knowledge on whether or not there is a degree of behavioural modulation that is inherent in Chiari Malformation- even in dogs that do not display signs of neuropathic pain. I have seen a few studies that attempt to explore the correlation between skull morphology and behavioural characteristics, but my findings on Brachycephaly specifically and its impact on brain development are limited. Seeing the MRI scans and the degree of squishing on the Cerebellum, as well as the apparent variation between brain regions makes me wonder as to the implications that has on temperament. All extremely brachycephalic breeds seem to have very similar personalities, the very typical "toy dog" predisposition that you scarcely see in larger breeds. I'm obviously not an expert, and this is purely me speculating, but I have always wondered if there is a component of Brachycephaly/Chiari malformation which informs their personalities to some degree. Would be very interested to see an ethological analysis of these dogs.

[@clare-neurovet]

thank you for your comments - Pain certainly impacts behaviour - i have video on this here kzbin.info/www/bejne/anKVq2h_l6uihdksi=ESYls3YCHDo72YsM and here kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5PKhZinip6dfJosi=PlLUBGmP7bESGqq_

[@jacquelinegeorge9439]

This is great! Thank you so very much for offering these talks for free. I run a Buyer education group, and would love to chat some time.

[@clare-neurovet]

You are welcome - I am embarrassed to say I am not sure what a buyer education group is - do you mean puppy buyer. If so then yes - education of those purchasing dogs is key to improving animal welfare

[@lesliecollup4259]

Are there any databases that track the pedigree of these dogs that have been diagnosed with SM? I have a CKCS who has suspected SM & it just kills me to think we're supporting breeders that aren't getting their dogs tested. These dogs are just too sweet to suffer like this.

[@clare-neurovet]

After the BVA KC CMSM health scheme was introduced the intention was that a database using estimated breeding values would be created. This would be able to give the statistical "chance" that a certain dog or proposed mating would result in a dog being syringomyelia affected based on the results of the relatives. However not enough breeders screen their dogs / participate in this scheme for it be able to do this. Short answer - no

[@nataliem8249]

according to the breed club SM is in every single line of Cavaliers

[@lesliecollup4259]

That may be true. I still believe that breeders have a responsibility to screen their dogs and at the very least, asses the severity before they move forward with breeding the dog. 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@clare-neurovet]

@@lesliecollup4259 absolutely

[@amystewart9438]

I have a Cavalier with mild SM and CM. Do you think supplementing with Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) would be worth trying? She is currently on Gabapentin bid; however Omeprazole does not agree with her.

[@clare-neurovet]

video on PEA here kzbin.info/www/bejne/g4K0e62eiZ2srrs