Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Neck and brain size linked to syringomyelia in Cavalier King Charles
By Carruthers, H et al.·Published in The Journal of small animal practice·2009·Tay Valley Veterinary Centre, Australia·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Association between cervical and intracranial dimensions and syringomyelia in the cavalier King Charles spaniel.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels was studied to understand the link between their neck and skull dimensions and a condition called syringomyelia, which can cause pain and discomfort. The research found that older dogs were more likely to have syringomyelia, but there wasn't a significant difference in neck measurements between those with and without the condition. While the spinal canal was wider in dogs with syringomyelia, the difference was too small to be clinically important. This means that while age is a factor, the specific measurements may not help in diagnosing or treating the condition effectively.
People also search for: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel syringomyelia symptoms · older dog neck pain · syringomyelia treatment for dogs
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To investigate the possible association between caudal fossa area and cervical vertebral dimensions and the presence of syringomyelia in cavalier King Charles spaniels. METHODS: From magnetic resonance imaging scans of 78 cavalier King Charles spaniels, measurements were made of the widest vertical spinal width at C1/C2, C2, C2/C3 and C3; angulation of the C2/C3 spine; and estimated caudal fossa area. A correlation between these measurements and syringomyelia was sought. RESULTS: A total of 59 dogs with and 19 without syringomyelia were compared. Older dogs had a significantly higher incidence of syringomyelia. No difference in incidence was noted between genders. There was no significant difference in vertebral canal width at C1/C2 and C2, or angulation of C2/C3 between syringomyelia and non-syringomyelia groups. The width of the canal at C2/C3 and C3 was significantly increased in syringomyelia dogs. There was no significant difference in the caudal fossa area between groups. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Although syringomyelia was shown to be more prevalent in older dogs, the age beyond which dogs were considered at greater risk was not deducible from the dataset. The association identified between wider spinal canal at C3, and C2/C3 and syringomyelia presence is of questionable clinical significance, as the difference between syringomyelia and non-syringomyelia groups is too small to be measured in a clinical setting.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19689666/