Chiari‐Like Malformation and Syringomyelia in American Brussels Griffon Dogs. (21st August 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Freeman, A.C.; Platt, S.R.; Kent, M.; Huguet, E.; Rusbridge, C.; Holmes, S.
• Is Part Of: Journal of veterinary internal medicine. Volume 28:Number 5(2014:Sep./Oct.)
• Page Start: 1551
• Page End: 1559
• Publication Date: 2014-08-21
• Subjects: Veterinary medicine -- Periodicals; 636.0896
• DOI: 10.1111/jvim.12421
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0891-6640

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" id="jvim12421-abs-0001"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <sec id="jvim12421-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Background</title> <p>Although Chiari‐like malformation (CM) and syringomyelia (SM) have been described in many small breed dogs, the prevalence and clinical manifestations of this complex have not been documented in a large cohort of American Brussels Griffon (ABG) dogs.</p> </sec> <sec id="jvim12421-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Objectives</title> <p>To characterize the clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of CM and SM in the ABG breed.</p> </sec> <sec id="jvim12421-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Animals</title> <p>Eighty‐four American Kennel Club registered ABG dogs were recruited.</p> </sec> <sec id="jvim12421-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Methods</title> <p>Prospective study. Complete histories and neurologic examinations were obtained before MRI. Images were blindly reviewed and calculations were made by using OsiriX. All analyses were performed by Student's <italic>t</italic>‐test, Spearman's correlation, ANOVA, and chi‐square test where appropriate.</p> </sec> <sec id="jvim12421-sec-0005" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>Chiari‐like malformation and SM were present in 65% and 52% of dogs, respectively. Twenty‐eight percent of dogs had neurologic deficits and 20% had neck pain. Mean central canal (CC) transverse height was 2.5 mm with a mean length of 3.6 cervical vertebrae. Neurologic deficits were significantly associated with a larger syrinx (<italic>P</italic> = .04, <italic>P</italic> = .08) and syrinx size increased with age (<italic>P</italic> = .027). SM was associated with a smaller craniocervical junction (CCJ) height (<italic>P</italic> = .04) and larger ventricles (<italic>P</italic> = .0001; <italic>P</italic> < .001).</p> </sec> <sec id="jvim12421-sec-0006" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusions and Clinical Importance</title> <p>Syringomyelia and CM are prevalent in American Brussels Griffon dogs. Syrinx size is associated with neurologic deficits, CM, larger ventricles, a smaller craniocervical junction height, neurologic deficits, and cerebellar herniation. Fifty‐two percent of dogs with a SM were clinically normal.</p> </sec> </abstract>