J Vet Sci.  2009 Dec;10(4):365-367. 10.4142/jvs.2009.10.4.365.

Syringomyelia in three small breed dogs secondary to Chiari-like malformation: clinical and diagnostic findings

• Park C
• Kang BT
• Yoo JH
• Park HM

• KMID: 1726913
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4142/jvs.2009.10.4.365

Abstract

Three small breed dogs were referred for the evaluation of neurologic deficits. Upon physical and neurologic examination, all dogs displayed hyperesthesia, pain, and neck stiffness. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed on the brain and spinal cord, and all three dogs presented Chiari-like malformations and syringomyelia. These dogs were treated with prednisolone and furosemide, and showed rapid improvement of clinical signs. Chiari malformations and syringomyelia were not improved because of congenital disorders. This case report demonstrates the clinical and diagnostic features of Chiari-like malformations and syringomyelia in three small breed dogs.

Keyword

canine; Chiari-like malformation; syringomyelia

MeSH Terms

Animals
Anti-Inflammatory Agents/therapeutic use
Arnold-Chiari Malformation/pathology/*veterinary
Body Size
Diuretics/therapeutic use
Dog Diseases/drug therapy/*pathology
Dogs
Female
Furosemide/therapeutic use
Male
Prednisolone/therapeutic use
Syringomyelia/drug therapy/pathology/*veterinary

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 MRI features of the dog in case No. 1. Chiari-like malformation (CM; arrow heads) and syrinx in the spinal cord between second and fourth cervical vertebrae (arrows) were noted on the midsagittal T1- (A) and T2- (B) weighted images. Transverse T1- (C) and T2- (D) weighted images at the level of the third cervical vertebrae revealed syrinx with an enlarged central canal (arrows).

• 

  Fig. 2 MRI images of case No. 2. On midsagittal MRIs (A and B), CM (arrow heads) with syrinx formation (arrows), indicating syrinomyelia (SM) is more evident on the T2-weighted image (B). The hyperintense lesion in the pons is also observed on the T2-weighted image (B). Serial transverse MRIs (C and D) reveal the dilation of the central canals (arrows). The dilated central canal is clearer on the T2-weighted image with hyperintensity (D).

• 

  Fig. 3 MRI features of case No. 3. Marked asymmetrical dilation of the lateral ventricle is confirmed on T1-(A) and T2-(B) weighted transverse MRIs. CM/SM (arrow) is evident on the midsagittal MRI of the cervical spinal cord (C). Transverse T1-weighted image of the spinal cord also demonstrates an asymmetrically dilated central canal (arrow) tilting to the right side (D).

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