Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Brain and ventricle size linked to syringomyelia in Cavalier King
By Driver, C J et al.·Published in The Journal of small animal practice·2010·Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Relationship of brain parenchyma within the caudal cranial fossa and ventricle size to syringomyelia in cavalier King Charles spaniels.
Plain-English summary
A group of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels with Chiari-like malformation (CM) were studied to see if the size of certain brain areas was linked to syringomyelia (SM), a condition where fluid-filled cavities form in the spinal cord. The dogs with SM had larger brain areas compared to those without SM, suggesting that overcrowding in the brain could contribute to this condition. Additionally, larger brain ventricles were also associated with bigger syrinxes. Understanding these relationships may help in managing and treating affected dogs more effectively.
People also search for: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel syringomyelia symptoms · Chiari-like malformation treatment · dog brain fluid issues
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To assess if the volumes of the caudal cranial fossa (CCF), parenchyma within the caudal cranial fossa (CCFP) or ventricles (V) are associated with syringomyelia (SM) in cavalier King Charles spaniels (CKCS) with Chiari-like malformation (CM). To evaluate if volumes are associated with transverse syrinx width. METHODS: Magnetic resonance images of 59 CKCS with CM were retrospectively reviewed and grouped with or without SM. Three-dimensional images were created and volumes of the fossae, brain parenchyma and ventricular system were calculated from which percentages of CCF, CCFP and V were created. If present, syrinx size was measured from its maximal transverse width. The percentages were statistically compared between groups, and correlation between percentages and syrinx dimensions was made. RESULTS: CKCS with SM had significantly higher CCFP (P=0.0001) and V (P=0.0002) to those without but no significant difference in CCF (P=0.925). There was a positive correlation between CCFP and syrinx width (Pearson r=0.437) and ventricle size to syrinx width (Spearman r=0.627). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: A more marked overcrowding of the CCF is associated with SM, which may explain the high incidence of SM in CKCS with CM. The association between ventricle and syrinx dimensions supports the theory that SM development is the result of altered cerebrospinal fluid dynamics.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20536691/