Investigation of sensory thresholds in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels with and without Chiari-like malformations and syringomyelia

Longitudinal assessment of syringomyelia in Pomeranians

Introduction

Chiari-like malformation (CM) and syringomyelia (SM) are disorders that, in dogs, affect mainly small and toy breeds, including the Pomeranian. These disorders are linked to a great number of (owner-reported) clinical signs (ORCS) suggestive of pain. Aging was associated with an increased risk of having SM in several studies. However, there are only a few longitudinal studies that assess the presence and severity of CM/SM over time in CKCS dogs and progression of SM was linked to progression of clinical signs. The aim of this study was to investigate ORCS, CM/SM classification, and quantitative syrinx parameters in relation to progression of time (age) within individual Pomeranians.

Materials and methods

Pomeranians with or without ORCS and with or without diagnoses of CM/SM were included that had undergone two (or more) MRI studies of the craniocervicothoracic region between January 2020 and June 2023. Classification of CM/SM and quantitative syrinx measurements were performed. Absolute values as well as ratios for syrinx height, width, and cross-sectional area were included for analysis.

Results

A total of 19 Pomeranians were included in the study, of which 11 were male (58%) and 8 were female (42%). The median age at the time of MRI1 was 26 months (range 7-44 months). The median scan interval was 26 months (range 11-49 months). Eleven dogs (58%) were presented with ORCS at the time of MRI1, whereas the other 8 dogs (42%) had no ORCS at that time. At the time of MRI2, there were 17/19 dogs (89%) with ORCS and 2/19 dogs without ORCS (11%). Dogs were significantly more likely to have ORCS at MRI2 than MRI1 (p = 0. 0411). There was no significant difference between CM/SM classification at the time of MRI1 and MRI2. Significant differences were found between MRI1 and MRI2 for syrinx height (based on transverse images) (absolute value and ratio P = 0.0059), syrinx width (absolute value P = 0.1055, ratio P = 0.0039), and syrinx cross sectional area (absolute value P = 0.0195, ratio P = 0.0217).

Discussion

There are differences in the presence or absence of ORCS as well as quantitative syrinx measurements in Pomeranians at different ages. This finding supports that longitudinal changes occur in the SM status of Pomeranians.

Clinical predictors of syringomyelia in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels with chiari-like malformation based on owners' observations

BACKGROUND

Syringomyelia (SM) is a prevalent inherited developmental condition in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (CKCSs) with Chiari-like malformation (CM), accompanied by a variety of clinical manifestations, including signs of neuropathic pain. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the gold standard in SM diagnosis. However, it is desirable to establish clinical predictors that can identify CKCSs with a large clinical syrinx that needs treatment, as some owners cannot afford or lack access to MRI. The aims of the study were to investigate owner-reported clinical signs of SM and clinical predictors of a large clinical syrinx, using predictive values of significant signs, individually and in combinations. Eighty-nine CKCSs participated in this retrospective study. Based on MRI diagnosis, dogs were distributed into three groups: CM without syrinx or with a maximum transverse width < 2 mm (n = 13), CM with small syrinx 2.00-3.99 mm (n = 26) and CM with large syrinx ≥4 mm (n = 50). A structured investigator-owner interview using a standardized questionnaire was used to collect data regarding clinical signs of CM and SM. The statistical tests Pearson's chi-square, Fisher's Exact and Spearman's rank order were used to assess the difference in owner-reported signs between groups. For signs with significant differences, positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV) were calculated.

RESULTS

Following clinical signs were reported significantly more frequent in dogs with a large syrinx: phantom scratching, bilateral scratching of the neck or shoulder, aversion when that area is touched, or exacerbation of clinical signs when the dog is emotionally aroused. Each individual sign had a high PPV, indicative of a large clinical syrinx. The PPV increased further when the signs phantom scratching, aversion to touch to the head, neck or shoulder, and a preferred head posture during sleep were present in combination.

CONCLUSIONS

Specific clinical signs can be used individually and in combination as clinical predictors of a large clinical syrinx in CKCSs with CM and SM. General practitioners can utilize this information to identify CKCSs with a large syrinx to initiate necessary treatment. This is particularly useful in cases where access to or affordability of an MRI diagnosis is limited.

The beneficial role of companion animals in translational pain research

The use of spontaneous painful disease in companion pet animals has been highlighted as one of the changes that could be made to help improve translation of basic science to new therapeutics, acting as a bridge between preclinical and clinical studies, with the goal of accelerating the approval of new therapeutics. This review focuses on the utility of companion pet dogs for translational research by reviewing what outcome measures can be measured, and importantly, the relevance of these outcome measures to human translational research. It also details the practical considerations involved in incorporating companion dogs into human therapeutic development.

Association between filum terminale internum length and pain in Cavalier King Charles spaniels with and without syringomyelia

Background

Lumbar syringomyelia (SM), lumbosacral pain, and more caudal spinal cord termination are reported in Cavalier King Charles spaniels (CKCS). Data are lacking on the clinical relevance of alterations in their spinal cord terminal structures.

Objectives

To compare spinal cord termination level and filum terminale internum length (FTIL) with presence of lumbar SM and clinical signs in CKCS.

Animals

Forty‐eight CKCS.

Methods

In this prospective study, pain was quantified using owner and clinician assessments. Vertebral level of spinal cord and dural sac termination, presence of SM, and FTIL were determined from sagittal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences. Kappa and intraclass correlation (ICC) analyses determined interobserver reliability. The MRI findings were compared to owner and clinician‐reported pain quantification.

Results

Interobserver reliability was good for spinal cord and dural sac termination (kappa = 0.61 and 0.64, respectively) and excellent for FTIL (ICC: 92% agreement). The spinal cord terminated at 6th lumbar vertebra in 1, 7th lumbar vertebra in 31, and the sacrum in 15 dogs, and termination level was associated with lumbar SM (P = .002) but not clinical signs. Mean FTIL was 2.9 ± 1.08 mm; it was associated with owner‐reported pain (P = .033) and spinal palpation scores (P = .023). Painful CKCS without SM had shorter FTIL compared to normal CKCS and painful CKCS with SM (P = .02).

Conclusions

Painful CKCS without SM have decreased distance between the termination of the spinal cord and dural sac, suggesting a shorter FTIL. More caudal spinal cord termination is associated with development of lumbar SM.

Mechanical quantitative sensory testing in cavalier King Charles spaniels with and without syringomyelia

BACKGROUND

Syringomyelia (SM) is a debilitating condition in the cavalier King Charles spaniel (CKCS) that results in neuropathic pain and diminished quality of life. Von Frey aesthesiometry (VFA) is a method of mechanical quantitative sensory testing that provides an objective sensory threshold (ST) value and can be used to quantify neuropathic pain (NP) and monitor response to therapy. The utility of VFA has been previously established in client-owned dogs with acute spinal cord injury but the technique has not been evaluated in dogs with SM. The goal of this study was to evaluate ST, as determined by VFA, in dogs with and without SM, to assess the utility of VFA in quantifying NP in SM-affected dogs. We hypothesized the SM-affected CKCS would have lower ST values, consistent with hyperesthesia, when compared to control CKCS. Additionally, we hypothesized that ST values in SM-affected dogs would be inversely correlated with syrinx size on MRI and with owner-derived clinical sign scores.

RESULTS

ST values for the thoracic and pelvic limbs differed significantly between the SM-affected and control CKCS (p = 0.027; p = 0.0396 respectively). Median ST value (range) for the thoracic limbs was 184.1 g (120.9-552) for control dogs, and 139.9 g (52.6-250.9) for SM-affected dogs. The median ST value (range) for the pelvic limbs was 164.9 g (100.8-260.3) in control dogs and 129.8 g (57.95-168.4) in SM-affected dogs. The ST values in SM-affected dogs did not correlate with syrinx height on MRI (r = 0.314; p = 0.137). Owner-reported clinical sign scores showed an inverse correlation with pelvic limb ST values, where dogs with lower ST values (hyperesthesia) were reported by their owners to display more frequent and severe clinical signs (r = - 0.657; p = 0.022).

CONCLUSION

ST values were lower in SM-affected CKCS compared to control dogs, suggesting the presence of neuropathic pain. Dogs with lower ST pelvic limb values were perceived by their owners to have more severe clinical signs classically associated with SM. Our results suggest that VFA might offer quantitative assessment of neuropathic pain in SM-affected dogs and could be useful for monitoring response to therapy in future clinical studies.

Companion animal models of neurological disease

Clinical translation of novel therapeutics that improve the survival and quality of life of patients with neurological disease remains a challenge, with many investigational drug and device candidates failing in advanced stage clinical trials. Naturally occurring inherited and acquired neurological diseases, such as epilepsy, inborn errors of metabolism, brain tumors, spinal cord injury, and stroke occur frequently in companion animals, and many of these share epidemiologic, pathophysiologic and clinical features with their human counterparts. As companion animals have a relatively abbreviated lifespan and genetic background, are immunocompetent, share their environment with human caregivers, and can be clinically managed using techniques and tools similar to those used in humans, they have tremendous potential for increasing the predictive value of preclinical drug and device studies. Here, we review comparative features of spontaneous neurological diseases in companion animals with an emphasis on neuroimaging methods and features, illustrate their historical use in translational studies, and discuss inherent limitations associated with each disease model. Integration of companion animals with naturally occurring disease into preclinical studies can complement and expand the knowledge gained from studies in other animal models, accelerate or improve the manner in which research is translated to the human clinic, and ultimately generate discoveries that will benefit the health of humans and animals.

Investigation of sensory thresholds in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels with and without Chiari-like malformations and syringomyelia

Background

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (CKCS) suffer pain associated with Chiari‐like malformation and syringomyelia (CMSM). People suffer from a similar condition and describe numerous sensory abnormalities. Sensory changes have not been quantified in affected CKCS.

Objectives

To use quantitative sensory testing (QST) to quantify thermal and mechanical thresholds in CKCS and to compare QST in dogs with and without syringomyelia (SM).

Animals

Forty‐four CKCS.

Methods

Prospective study. Dogs underwent neurological examinations and craniocervical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Thermal testing was performed over the humerus and thorax (n = 32); mechanical testing was performed on the paw and neck (n = 44). Latencies, thresholds, and response rates were compared with presence and severity of SM on MRI, presence of pain reported by the owner and pain identified on examination.

Results

Thirty dogs had SM, 30 were painful on examination, 29 were owner‐reported symptomatic. Thermal and mechanical variables were not significantly different based on presence or severity of SM. Dogs with pain on examination had decreased mechanical thresholds on the paw (0.38 kg, SD = 0.18) and neck (2.05 kg, SD = 0.74) compared to thresholds of dogs without pain on examination on the paw (0.60 kg, SD = 0.30) and neck (2.72 kg, SD = 0.57; P = .021).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Mechanical and thermal sensitivity does not appear to be related to the presence of SM, but mechanical sensitivity appears to be related to the presence of pain and clinical signs. Mechanical testing may be useful for assessing sensory abnormalities during clinical trials.