Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Sleep

Purpose

To understand the relationship between sleep and pain in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and develop new methods to detect pain

Background

Many Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have caudal occipital malformation, also known as Chari-like malformation. This can lead to changes in the spinal cord, resulting in pain and discomfort. We would like to understand if painful dogs have alterations in sleep or behavior.

Eligibility

Initial eligibility will be determined by participation in survey which will ask a few background questions, then will ask you about your dog’s sleep habits. One survey may be filled out for each dog. Based on the survey results, some dogs will be asked to visit the hospital for a sleep study, MRI, and possibly follow up appointments.

Exclusion Criteria

The questionnaire may be completed for any Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, but only dogs that meet criteria based on the completed questionnaire will be invited for further participation. Patients invited for further participation must be considered healthy enough to safely undergo anesthesia.

Study Design

This is a pilot study to evaluate the relationship between sleep and pain. First, we will ask owners to complete a survey about their dog’s sleep habits and any signs of pain. This information will be used to invite some dogs for in person visits. If your pet is selected for an in person visit, we will ask you for some additional information, we will also examine your pet to make sure they are a good study candidate. We will ask you to leave them overnight for a video recording of their behavior and then a sleep study where they will wear a harness, and electrodes will be placed temporarily under the skin so that we can measure their sleep. The next day, dogs will be placed under anesthesia and an MRI will be performed. Small skin biopsies may also be collected. After recovery from anesthesia, your dog will be discharged. If your dog is considered painful, we may prescribe pain medications.

Compensation

There is no compensation for completing the questionnaire. However, if invited for further participation, patients will receive an MRI to evaluate their malformation at no cost to the client.

Contact

Dr. Rell Parker, Neurology
Email: rell@vt.edu

If your query is urgent, please call the Small Animal Hospital at 540-231-4621.