I've not got first hand experience of it but I do know a bit about it if that helps?
Syringomyelia is a serious condition in which abnormal levels of cerebrospinal fluid ( CSF) filled cavities develop in the spinal cord by the brain. The cavalier's brain is larger than its skull, so when it moves with the pulse, it pokes out of the hole in the back of the skull because it doesn't fit properly. This blocks the flow of CSF down the spine and the pressure creates cavities in the spinal cord. Although other small breeds can be affected, Cavs seem to be especially so, and it is thought up to 50% of them have it though not all show clinical symptoms.
It is known as 'neck scratcher's disease' because one of the signs is air scratching, where an affected dog with scratch at the air near its ears, chest, neck and shoulders, even whilst moving. This is usually followed by the pain in that area which will cause it to yelp and scream
. Other symptoms include yelping for no apparent reason and flipping around to bite at the hindquarters. As the disease progresses, it destroys parts of the cavalier's spinal cord, affecting the legs, which get progressively weaker and some dogs end up completely paralysed. It is an extremely painful condition, and a dog may even eat and sleep only raising its head high and contorting its neck.
The only way to test for it is by MRI and it can obviously be quite pricey. Not much can be done about it, it is not curable, the treatments are only to help alleviate pain. Treatments are limited, depending on the severity, certain drugs can be given, or surgery, where the bone the brain is pressing on is removed, but alotjough its usually successful. It's quite expensive, some dogs get a reoccurrence, or still show signs of air scratching and pain. Usually, it is up to the owner to decide what to do, and obviously it depends on how severe it is and how much pain what can be done and what the owner decides is best for the dog.
