Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Skull measurements linked to Chiari-like malformation in Pomeranians
By Santifort, Koen M et al.·Published in PloS one·2024·IVC Evidensia Referral Hospital Arnhem, Netherlands·View original on PubMed →
PetCaseFinder translated the abstract of this peer-reviewed paper into plain English so pet owners can read it. We do not publish original research — every detail traces back to the citation above. How we work →
Original publication title: CT-based and manual external skull measurements for Chiari-like malformation and syringomyelia in Pomeranians.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of Pomeranians over a year old underwent CT scans and measurements to investigate Chiari-like malformation (CM) and syringomyelia (SM), which can cause symptoms like pain or discomfort. Researchers found that a shorter mandible (the lower jaw) length was linked to a higher likelihood of having SM, with a specific measurement of less than 58 mm indicating a strong chance of the condition. This information could help veterinarians assess the risk of SM in Pomeranians based on skull measurements and reported symptoms.
People also search for: Pomeranian skull measurements · Chiari-like malformation symptoms in dogs · syringomyelia treatment options for Pomeranians
Abstract
Studies in Pomeranians as well as other breeds have looked at clinical signs or external features as predictors of Chiari-like malformation (CM) and syringomyelia (SM). The aim of this study is to describe and analyze morphometric factors of the skull of Pomeranians with and without CM/SM by means of CT as well as manual external measurements. Ninety-two Pomeranians >12 months of age were included that underwent both CT and MRI studies of the head and cervicothoracic vertebral column. Two observers independently reviewed the CT imaging studies and performed quantitative measurements. External measurements were taken from the head of dogs when under general anesthesia using a tape measure and a caliper. Externally measured mandible length was associated with the probability of having SM (p = 0.043). Mandible length was moderately correlated with weight (Pearson correlation coefficient = 0.585, p < 0.001). A cutoff for mandible length of 58 mm yielded a sensitivity of 96% (95% confidence interval 89-100%), meaning dogs in this study population with a mandible length shorter than 58 mm were highly likely to have SM. The measurement of the length of the mandible could help to determine the probability of a Pomeranian having SM, especially when combined with the presence or absence of owner reported clinicals signs as shown in previous studies.
Find similar cases for your pet
PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.
Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39585853/