Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Where syringomyelia occurs in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
By Loderstedt, Shenja et al.·Published in Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997)·2011·Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Distribution of syringomyelia along the entire spinal cord in clinically affected Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels with Chiari-like malformation (CM) and syringomyelia (SM) underwent MRI scans to examine the extent of their spinal cord issues. The scans revealed that syrinxes (fluid-filled cavities) were found not only in the neck area but also in other parts of the spinal cord, and older dogs tended to have larger syrinxes. In fact, most dogs with syrinxes in the neck also had syrinxes in lower spinal regions, suggesting that focusing only on the neck might miss significant problems. This information is crucial for better understanding and treating affected dogs.
People also search for: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel syringomyelia symptoms · dog MRI for syringomyelia · Chiari-like malformation treatment in dogs
Abstract
Chiari-like malformation (CM) and syringomyelia (SM) is an important disease complex in the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (CKCS) but data about the anatomical distribution of SM along the spinal cord are lacking in veterinary medicine. The objective of this study was to define the anatomic distribution of SM in CKCS clinically affected by CM/SM. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain and the entire spinal cord of 49 dogs was performed and different morphological parameters compared. Syrinx formation was present in the C1-C4 region and in other parts of the spinal cord. The maximal dorsoventral syrinx size can occur in any region of the spinal cord and the total syrinx size was positively correlated with age. Seventy-six per cent of CKCS with a cranial cervical syrinx also have a syrinx affecting more caudal spinal cord regions. MRI restricted to the cervical region may underestimate the extent of SM and the severity of the disease process in the majority of dogs.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21216639/