Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Detecting cerebellar herniation in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
By Kromhout, K et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary internal medicine·2015·Department of Veterinary Medical Imaging and Small Animals Orthopedics·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Low-field MRI and multislice CT for the detection of cerebellar (foramen magnum) herniation in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels was examined for signs of brain issues, specifically cerebellar herniation, which is common in this breed due to a condition called Chiari-like malformation. The dogs underwent both MRI and CT scans to see which method was better for detecting this problem. The results showed that both imaging techniques were effective, but CT scans provided longer measurements of the herniation. While CT can be used when MRI isn't available, MRI remains the preferred method for diagnosing this condition in these dogs.
People also search for: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel cerebellar herniation · Chiari-like malformation in dogs · MRI vs CT for dog brain issues
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (CKCS) have a high prevalence of Chiari-like malformation (CM). Herniation of the cerebellum into the foramen magnum is a key diagnostic feature for CM. Midsagittal MR images are the preferred technique for visualizing cerebellar herniation (CH). OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether CT can be used to diagnose CH. ANIMALS: Fifteen client-owned CKCS dogs referred for investigation of the brain and cranial cervical spine on MRI and CT. METHODS: Two reviewers retrospectively analyzed midsagittal T1WSE and T2WSE MR images and midsagittal pre- and postcontrast 2D multiplanar reformatted CT images from each dog for the presence of CH. And, if present, the length (mm, CHL) of the herniation was measured. The results were analyzed statistically. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the different observers and techniques for the detection of CH and measurement of CHL. Overall, the CHL was longer on the CT images. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Both techniques are useful for detecting CH and measuring CHL. Because CHL does not have a known direct impact on the clinical presentation of CM, CT can be used as a diagnostic tool in a routine clinical practice for CM in CKCS when MRI is not available. We emphasize that MRI is the standard screening technique in CKCS for breeding purposes to detect the presence of CM and SM and, at the current time, CT cannot replace MRI.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25408117/