Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Signs and MRI features of quadrigeminal cysts in small dogs
By Matiasek, Lara A et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary internal medicine·2007·Centre for Small Animal Studies, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Clinical and magnetic resonance imaging characteristics of quadrigeminal cysts in dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 28 dogs with quadrigeminal cysts (fluid-filled sacs in the brain) was studied, and many of them showed symptoms like seizures or coordination problems. Most affected dogs were small breeds, especially brachycephalic ones (dogs with short noses), and those with more than 14% compression of the occipital lobe (a part of the brain) were more likely to show clinical signs. While some dogs had incidental findings without symptoms, those with significant compression were more likely to need treatment. The study highlights the importance of evaluating brain compression when diagnosing and treating these cysts.
People also search for: dog seizures small breed · quadrigeminal cysts in dogs · brachycephalic dog brain problems
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Quadrigeminal cysts (QC) are the most common intracranial intra-arachnoid cysts in dogs, primarily affecting small breeds. Clinical significance is controversial. HYPOTHESIS: Male, brachycephalic, small breed dogs are predisposed to QC, and objective measurement of parenchymal compression can distinguish clinically relevant QC from incidental findings. ANIMALS: A total of 4,100 client-owned dogs. METHODS: A retrospective study that recorded signalment, history, clinical signs, and magnetic resonance imaging features. The degree of brain compression was evaluated in the presence of relevant clinical signs. The percentage compression of cerebellum and forebrain was calculated by comparing the expected to the actual diameter and longitudinal dimension, respectively. RESULTS: QC were diagnosed in 28 dogs, of which 21 (75%) were small breed dogs. Fifteen dogs (54%) were brachycephalic. Eighteen dogs were male, and 10 were female. Cerebellar, occipital lobe, or compression in both areas occurred in 86% (24/28 dogs). Clinical signs included focal and generalized seizures in 5 dogs and cerebellar signs in 6 dogs. Mean occipital lobe compression was 17% (SD = 4) in clinically affected and 10% (SD = 3) in normal dogs (P = .006). Occipital lobe compression >14% was always associated with clinical signs. The mean cerebellar compression was 18%, but there was no association between compression and clinical signs. The animals were more likely to develop clinical signs if both areas were compressed (P = .04). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Parenchymal compression by QC can be incidental, and other central nervous system diseases must be excluded when assessing the clinical significance of QC. However, occipital lobe compression over 14% is likely to cause clinical signs.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17939559/