What is syringomyelia?

Syringomyelia is a medical condition characterized by the development of fluid-filled cavities, or syrinxes, within the spinal cord. These cavities can disrupt the normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid and may lead to a variety of symptoms, including pain, weakness, and neurological issues, depending on the location and size of the syrinxes. It is often associated with other conditions, such as Chiari malformation, which involves abnormal brain structure.

In contrast, the other options describe different medical conditions. The first option relates to issues affecting the joints, such as arthritis or other joint diseases, while the second option refers to developmental disorders that occur in utero. Lastly, the fourth option pertains to allergic reactions, which can cause excessive itching in dogs but are unrelated to the spinal cord and its structures. Understanding these distinctions is essential for recognizing how syringomyelia specifically affects the spinal cord compared to other conditions that may affect different body systems.