Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Substance P and IL-6 linked to nerve pain in Cavalier King Charles
By Schmidt, M J et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary internal medicine·2013·Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Germany·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: A potential role for substance P and interleukin-6 in the cerebrospinal fluid of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels with neuropathic pain.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels with neck pain was studied to understand their discomfort related to a condition called syringomyelia, which involves fluid-filled cavities in the spinal cord. The dogs with pain had higher levels of certain inflammatory substances in their spinal fluid compared to those without pain. The research found that dogs with asymmetrical syringomyelia were more likely to experience pain, suggesting a connection between the severity of the condition and the level of discomfort. While the exact cause of the pain is still being explored, the findings indicate that inflammation may play a significant role in these dogs' suffering.
People also search for: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel neck pain · syringomyelia treatment in dogs · dog neuropathic pain symptoms
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Neuropathic pain can be a clinical sign in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (CKCS) with syringomyelia. The pathophysiology of this pain is not fully understood. HYPOTHESIS: Neuropathic pain in CKCS is a result of a neuroinflammatory process. ANIMALS: Twenty-six client-owned dogs: 15 dogs with clinical signs of cervical hyperesthesia (group 1), and 11 dogs without of clinical signs (group 2). METHODS: Dogs were examined by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and substance P were measured in CSF and compared with morphological findings on MRI and clinical pain scores. RESULTS: All dogs without clinical signs had symmetrical syringomyelia, whereas in the group with pain, 6 dogs had symmetrical and 9 dogs had asymmetrical syringomyelia. Pain and syringomyelia asymmetry were correlated, and a strong association between pain and dorsal horn involvement of syringomyelia was observed. There was no significant difference between the mean width of the syringomyelia in dogs with or without pain. The concentrations of interleukin-6 and substance P were significantly higher in dogs with neuropathic pain. Tumor necrosis factor alpha was not detected in either group. Concentrations of substance P were significantly higher in dogs with asymmetrical syringomyelia or dorsal horn involvement, whereas interleukin-6 concentrations were not significantly different between groups. CONCLUSION: Release of interleukin-6 and substance P may initiate proinflammatory effects leading to development of persistent pain in CKCSs with syringomyelia.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23659719/