New study clarifies recognition and signs of canine chiari pain

A recent study by Fitzpatrick Referrals and the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Surrey found that canine chiari-like malformations can cause significant pain and affect activity, temperament and sleep patterns. dogs.

Lead author, Professor Clare Rusbridge, was inspired by the conduct of the study due to lack of clarity on the recognition and diagnosis of clinical signs badociated with chiari malformation as opposed to syringomyelia .

The Chiari malformation is an abnormality of the skull that makes it smaller and has an impact on the brain, thus altering the flow of cerebrospinal fluid. this results in pain and an accumulation of fluid pockets in the spinal cord. These fluid pockets are commonly known as syringomyelia and, over time, can cause irreversible damage to a dog's spinal cord. However, it is unclear whether the signs of pain in affected dogs are due to Chiari malformation or syringomyelia, or both.

In an attempt to remedy this situation, Professor Rusbridge studied the medical records of all the King Charles Cavalry Spaniels diagnosed with a Chiari malformation that had been presented to him during the Fitzpatrick consultations over a five-year period. She documented the history and results of the examinations and related them to the results of the MRI, including the presence and size of syringomyelia.

She found common signs in all dogs: vocalization, pain in the spine (neck, middle or lower back), reduced activity, dislike for touching or grooming, altered emotional state (described as being more shy, anxious, withdrawn or aggressive) and sleep disorders. . A tendency to rub or scratch one's head or ears was common, but was more likely in dogs with minimal or no syringomyelia, suggesting that it could be an effect sign of discomfort to the head badociated with chiari malformation. Friction of the head and ears was not badociated with the presence of substance in the middle ear (affection also common in this breed and often referred to by the acronym PSOM).

The only signs specific to syringomyelia were ghost scrapes, scoliosis and weaknesses. These symptoms were present only when the syringomyelia was large (at least 4 mm wide).

This study is important because it suggests that chiari malformation alone is a cause of pain in many dogs. The aim is to use the information collected in this study to develop a questionnaire to determine the risk of chiari malformation and to monitor the response to clinical signs.

Clare Rusbridge, chief neurologist at Fitzpatrick Referrals and professor of veterinary neurology at the University of Surrey, said: "I hope this study will better recognize and understand the signs of pain and syringomyelia badociated with canine chiari in order to improve diagnosis and reduce diagnostic errors I hope to use this data to develop diagnostic tools and quality of life. "