26/08/2026
It’s been one year yesterday since I had to make the heartbreaking decision to let my girl go, due to severe syringomyelia and Chiari malformation. It’s now estimated that 95% of Cavaliers have Chiari malformation — and where it’s high-grade, it can cause syringomyelia. Some dogs carry it without showing symptoms, but Lady was always very symptomatic from the very first time I put a collar on her and groomed her.
Chiari malformation involves the domed head shape; when severe, the brain has no room within the skull, which then triggers syringomyelia. The shallower the stop, the higher the risk of both conditions. Syringomyelia (SM) is when fluid builds up in the spine because it cannot flow properly within the skull — causing permanent neurological damage, and there is no cure. And it builds up over time as it has no where to go. Common signs include phantom scratching, head/ear pain, scuffing of the feet, and headaches. Many dogs also dislike being touched. It is progressive and intensely painful. Although each dog is different in symptoms. This is why MRI scanning lines is so important.
Lady was on gabapentin her whole life, alongside a carefully balanced mix of pain relief, just to try to keep her comfortable.
Eventually, though, she deteriorated — no medication could control her pain any longer. Her front-end mobility failed, her spine began to dip, and her pain episodes became unbearable. That’s when I had to let her go.
If you are getting any dog — especially Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, other domed-head breeds, or brachycephalic breeds — please only choose puppies from ethically responsible breeders who fully health-test their lines. This is not just a simple DNA test. Every pedigree breed has known genetic conditions, and breeders must carry out the correct screening and achieve low grading scores to avoid producing puppies with life-limiting health defects.
Reputable places to find health-tested breeders include:
• Pedigree Portal (launched recently by Angels Breeder dedicated to ethical pedigree breeders across the globe with only health tested listings to ensure healthy breeding)
• The Kennel Club
Both show exactly what health tests have been done and the results achieved.
Lady will always be an advocate for Cavaliers and for awareness of syringomyelia. She was a true warrior, taken far too soon — and she will never, ever be forgotten. She is missed more than I can say. 🤍
12/02/18 – 25/08/25 🌈