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Commonly referred to as ‘neck scratchers disease’, syringomyelia (SM) is a genetic condition where fluid filled cavities develop within the spinal cord. Breeds commonly affected include Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Pugs, Boston Terriers, French Bulldogs and Chihuahuas.
At its most extreme the lack of space within the skull causes a part of the brain (the Cerebellum which coordinates muscular activity) to be forced out. Cerebrospinal fluid can no longer shunt backwards and forwards with arterial flow and this produces pressure waves and this disruption affects nerve transmission and can produce pain, coordination problems, weakness and stiffness. In humans the condition is called Chiari malformation.
To get a formal, veterinary diagnosis will require an expensive MRI scan. But if you have a breed of dog that is commonly affected and they are showing any of these symptoms they may have the condition. Common symptoms include:
Neck scratching
Hindlimb weakness
Resistant to petting/grooming
Difficulty settling particularly at night
Sensitive to touch on the neck, ears and chest
Facial nerve paralysis
Symptoms will often worsen in temperature extremes, both hot and cold.
How May Canine Massage Help A Dog With Syringomyelia?
1) Improve Muscle Function and Mobility
The most common muscular condition in dogs with Syringomyelia is hypertonicity, particularly around the neck and shoulder. Muscles become habituated and are no longer able to relax. The muscles are in a constant state of involuntarily contraction and this further irritates the nerves.
A restricted neck decreases normal patterns of movement not just in the neck and shoulders but also in the hindquarters and spine. This is because some muscles run from the skull right through to the pelvis. So dysfunction will be caused throughout the body as tension is placed on the full length of these muscles.
The dog will commonly find transient strokes or general petting uncomfortable. I have been trained in the myofascial releases which will create space within the muscles and complex fascial system. Releasing these restrictions will improve the ability of the muscle to move
2) Improve Nerve Function
Nerves penetrate muscle and fascia to communicate stimuli from internal and external sources. When the muscle becomes hypertonic it causes trigger points and myofascial pain which then irritate the nerves. Irritated nerves send more signals to the brain, this over-excitability fires up the sympathetic nervous system, commonly known as the fight, flight or freeze system.
The sympathetic system makes it difficult for your dog to relax. They may pace around, be unable to get comfortable or appear anxious are hyper-aware. Your dog may shy away from touch in the area and will appear distressed.
I have a range of techniques to help encourage the parasympathetic (rest, digest and heal) response to improve nerve function, provide pain relief and help improve comfort.
3) Break The Pain Cycle
When muscle, fascia and nerves are in a state of irritation they will over tighten causing further restrictions and irritation including:
painful trigger points that can mimic the symptoms of arthritis
restricted flow of lymph causing painful swollen lymph nodes
areas of reduced muscular function
myofascial pain
I use a combination of massage and myofascial work to release or restore movement in these tissues, helping to enhance the flow of oxygen, nutrients and lymph and to re-facilitate nerve impulses.
I work on the whole body to address areas of overcompensation and patterns of pain referral. I work with the owner and the vet and continually review whether the treatment is providing relief for the dog.
Massage will not make the condition go away but it is a real, accessible way of providing pain management and the benefits can last for several weeks at a time. Massage is particularly effective with those dogs that cannot tolerate anti-inflammatories (aka NSAIDs) or have renal failure where conventional pain management is not an option.
Advice For Owners
We all want the best quality of life for our beloved dogs so if your dog has been diagnosed with SM, massage by a trained professional is a safe, effective, drug free therapy to help your dog manage their condition and associated pain. Regular treatment will be required to maintain improvements In addition, you should follow the advice below:
Collar
Your dog should not wear a collar. Even a loose house collar will be rubbing on the skin and irritating superficial nerves in the skin. Only walk your dog on a harness.
Hard, slippery floors such as hardwood flooring and vinyl
Moving on these floors requires constant effort and this causes long lines of tension throughout the dog’ s forelimbs, shoulder and neck. This exacerbates the condition.
Feeding Height
Provide food and water using a raised feeding bowl to prevent the neck from being put into a sustained lengthening (eccentric) contraction as this prevents relaxation of the muscles.
Tug games
Do not play tug games as the neck, jaw and shoulder muscles will be excessively stressed!
Your Dogs ‘Tickly’ Spot!
This spot is actually an area of restricted fascia, the associated nerves of which are already inhibited and scratching it causes discomfort and further irritation. So please don’t scratch your dogs ‘tickly spot’.
Restrict Activities
Jumping down (off the sofa or out of the car) will increase your dog’s discomfort. The percussive forces on landing send shock waves up their forelimbs and neck. Lift your dog or use specially designed steps.
Drugs
Do not resist giving their dog pharmaceuticals to help with pain. Speak to your vet about the best painkiller to help manage your dog’s pain. They may periodically complete blood tests check liver and kidney function. Turmeric/golden paste can be harmful for some dogs, particularly those with heart disease.
The pain your dog experiences does not help with healing or quality of life and the correct pharmaceuticals can truly help your dog.
Zoopharmacognosy - The self selection of herbs, plants and oils.
This therapy can be life changing for many dogs. Find out more at www.myanimalmatters.co.uk
Wobble Cushions And Instability Equipment
Do not use these. All you will be doing is creating long lines of tension in the muscle which cause the muscles to become even more dysfunctional.