Retrospective study of 16 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dogs diagnosed with Chiari-Like Malformation and Syringomyelia. Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Surgical Management

Abstract

Chiari-like malformation (CM) and Syringomyelia (SM) are complex neurological disorders, that affects the brain and respectively the spinal cord. These conditions affect certain toy breed dogs, among which the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed is overrepresented, causing numerous clinical signs, of which the neurological pain is commonly observed.The purpose of this research was to describe the CM/SM magnetic resonance images, to discuss the medical management and to track the outcome of the patients. All of the 16 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dogs underwent surgical treatment, consisting of cranio-cervical decompression, combined with drug therapy.Thirteen of the 16 cases presented good results with clinical improvement of the symptomatology, escpecially decreasing the neuropathic pain, and increasing the quality of life. The other 3 cases presented no improvement of the symptomatology.