An update on the pathogenesis of syringomyelia secondary to Chiari-like malformations in dogs.
Syringomyelia (SM) is a spinal cord disease that can cause neuropathic pain in dogs. The pathogenesis of SM secondary to Chiari-like malformation (CM) has been the focus of intense research in recent years. The gulf in our understanding of CM/SM in dogs relative to the analogous human condition has progressively narrowed. CM is primarily a disease of abnormal geometric morphometry affecting the caudal cranial fossa and the brain parenchyma contained within it. This review describes how advanced imaging techniques have revealed a series of morphometric abnormalities associated with CM/SM. The series is presented in a logical order to help describe the pathogenesis of CM and the subsequent formation of syringes, with particular reference to the concepts of craniospinal compliance and cerebrospinal fluid pulse pressure timing.
Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hertfordshire AL9 7TA, UK. Electronic address: cdriver@rvc.ac.uk.
C J
CJ
Driver
H A
HA
Volk
C
C
Rusbridge
L M
LM
Van Ham
D000818:Animals; D001139:Arnold-Chiari Malformation / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics / Q000662:veterinary*; D001921:Brain / Q000473:pathology; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000235:genetics; D004285:Dogs; D012886:Skull / Q000473:pathology; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000473:pathology; D013595:Syringomyelia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000235:genetics / Q000662:veterinary*
Cavalier King Charles spaniels; Chiari-like malformation; Morphometrics; Neuropathic pain; Syringomyelia