Craniocervical Morphometry in Pomeranians—Part II: Associations with Chiari-like Malformation and Syringomyelia

Koen Santifort*, Sophie Bellekom, Ines Carrera, Paul Mandigers*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Background: The aim of Part II of this two-part study is to describe and analyze the association of various aspects and measurements related to the morphometry of the skull and craniocervical region to CM/SM status of Pomeranians, by means of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods: Prospectively, Pomeranians were included that underwent both CT and MRI studies of the head and cervicothoracic vertebral column. For those cases where qualitative classifications differed between observers, the experienced observer re-evaluated the studies and decided on a final classification that was used for further analysis. For quantitative measurements, the means of the observers’ measurements were used for analysis. Results: Among statistically significant differences in measurements, we found that dogs with SM had a significantly shorter clivus length based on both MRI (p = 0.01) and CT measurements (p = 0.01), and a significantly smaller caudal cranial fossa area based on both MRI (p = 0.02) and CT measurements (p = 0.02). Conclusions: Significant morphometrical differences were identified between dogs with or without CM/SM. The findings in this study add to those already described in other breeds and provide further insight into factors that may play a role in the pathogenesis of CM/SM in Pomeranians.
Original languageEnglish
Article number1859
Number of pages15
JournalAnimals
Volume14
Issue number13
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 23 Jun 2024

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2024 by the authors.

Funding

This research was funded by the IVC Evidensia research fund. The APC was funded by IVC Evidensia\u2019s fund for the publication of peer-reviewed articles. Number: 9077_7504-02_KS_Craniocervical morphometry Part 2.

FundersFunder number
IVC9077_7504-02

    Keywords

    • caudal cranial fossa
    • clivus length
    • computed tomography
    • magnetic resonance imaging
    • morphometry

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