Craniocervical Junction Abnormalities in Chihuahuas

Erin Y. Akin, DVM, DACVIM (Neurology), Locum neurologist, Woodstock, Georgia

ArticleLast Updated August 20182 min read

In the Literature

Kiviranta AM, Rusbridge C, Laitinen-Vapaavuori O, et al. Syringomyelia and craniocervical junction abnormalities in Chihuahuas. J Vet Intern Med. 2017;31(6):1771-1781.


The Research …

Chiari-like malformation (CM) is a multifactoral craniocervical junction (CCJ) abnormality in dogs in which a portion of the cerebellum is herniated through the foramen magnum secondary to congenital hypoplasia of the supraoccipital bone. Syringomyelia (SM) is the development of fluid-filled cavities in the spinal cord parenchyma.1 These malformations have been widely reported in Cavalier King Charles spaniels, Brussels Griffons, and other small-breed dogs.2 This prospective study investigated the presence of SM and CCJ abnormalities and their associated clinical signs and neurologic deficits in 53 Chihuahuas.

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