FDA Conditionally Approves Drug to Control Pain and Clinical Signs of Chiari-Like Malformation and Syringomyelia in Dogs
May 12, 2026
Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration conditionally approved Liavium-CA1 (pregabalin chewable tablets) for the management of pain and clinical signs associated with Chiari-like malformation and syringomyelia in dogs.
Chiari-like malformation (CM) is a genetic condition where a dog’s skull is too small for its brain. This malformation forces the cerebellum at the back of the brain to squeeze out through the base of the skull. Syringomyelia occurs when this squeezing restricts the flow of cerebrospinal fluid, causing painful fluid-filled pockets (syrinxes) on the spinal cord. These pockets swell and compress nerve fibers in the spinal cord, causing pain or discomfort that may make a dog cry out when its head, neck, or shoulders are touched. Dogs with CM may scratch themselves without any apparent reason (phantom scratching) or have trouble with walking or bowel movements due to increased pressure in the skull.
Pregabalin, the active ingredient in Liavium-CA1, is used to manage nerve-related pain. It works by reducing the release of neurotransmitters that send pain signals in the spinal cord.
Liavium-CA1 should be given to dogs orally twice daily with food. Liavium-CA1 is available by prescription because veterinary expertise is required to properly diagnose CM and syringomyelia, determine the appropriate dose, and to monitor the safe use of the product, including treatment of any adverse reactions. A veterinarian can also advise dog owners about whether to administer a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug at the same time as Liavium-CA1.
Dogs under 3 kg (6.6 pounds) cannot be accurately dosed with Liavium-CA1.
The conditional approval means the FDA has determined Liavium-CA1 is safe and has a reasonable expectation of effectiveness for its intended use. The sponsor, TriviumVet, based in Ireland, has up to five years to generate the additional effectiveness data needed to support a full FDA approval.
Liavium-CA1 is eligible for conditional approval because it is intended to control a serious or life-threatening condition, it addresses an unmet animal health need, and demonstrating effectiveness of the drug would require a complex or particularly difficult study or studies.