You should seek the advice of your veterinarian if your pet is ill as only he or she can correctly advise on the diagnosis and recommend the treatment that is most appropriate for your pet.

Syringomelia can occur in any breed of dog, but it is recognised as a problem inWeimaraners

Syringomelia in the Weimaraner (also called Spinal Dysraphism) is caused by a failure of the neural tube to close properly during development of the spinal cord. As a result neurological control of the hind limbs is not normal. The typical signs usually appear at 4-6 weeks of age and they are :

1) Wide-legged stance when standing
2) Over extension of the hind legs when standing
3) Crouching posture when standing
4) Bunny-hopping gait with the dog hopping on both hind legs

Other, less common, signs may include developmental abnormalities such as curvature of the spine (called scoliosis), deformity of the chest , tail deformity eg kinking, and unusual hair patterns on the neck region.

Unfortunately there is no treatment. Because the condition is thought to be genetically inherited dogs in breeding lines known to have the disorder should not be used for breeding.

Updated October 2013