Hydromyelia
Also known as: Syringohydromyelia · Hydromyelie · Spinal cord central canal dilation · Zentralkanalerweiterung · Hydrosyringomyelia
Overview
What it is
Hydromyelia is an abnormal widening of the central canal within the spinal cord, which is the fluid-filled tube running through the center of the spine. This occurs when cerebrospinal fluid, the protective liquid surrounding the brain and spinal cord, builds up and puts pressure on the surrounding nerve tissue. Over time, this pressure can cause progressive damage to the nervous system.
How it presents
Symptoms typically appear in dogs between 1 and 4 years of age. Owners may notice signs of neck or head pain, coordination problems, muscle weakness, or 'phantom scratching' where the dog scratches at the air near its neck without making contact.
Treatment
While the condition is lifelong and cannot be fully cured, it can be managed with daily pain medications or, in severe cases, complex neurosurgery. Depending on whether medical management or surgery is chosen, treatment costs typically range from €1,500 to €8,000.
How it's tested
Magnetresonanztomographie (MRT) des Gehirns(MRT)
Primary testClinical examDie Diagnose wird durch eine Magnetresonanztomographie (MRT) des Schädels gestellt, welche die Fehlbildung oder das Fehlen des Balkens (Corpus callosum) bildlich darstellt.
Issuing body: vet
Result scheme: Clear/Carrier/Affected
Affected breeds
Treatment cost
Estimated range of typical treatment cost. Actual cost depends on severity, clinic and region.
Frequently asked
What is Hydromyelia?
Hydromyelia is an abnormal widening of the central canal within the spinal cord, which is the fluid-filled tube running through the center of the spine. This occurs when cerebrospinal fluid, the protective liquid surrounding the brain and spinal cord, builds up and puts pressure on the surrounding nerve tissue. Over time, this pressure can cause progressive damage to the nervous system.
How is Hydromyelia tested?
Tests currently in our database: Magnetresonanztomographie (MRT) des Gehirns.
Which breeds are most affected?
This condition isn't tied to a specific breed in our database.