%0 Journal Article
%T Craniocervical Morphometry in Pomeranians-Part II: Associations with Chiari-like Malformation and Syringomyelia.
%A Santifort K
%A Bellekom S
%A Carrera I
%A Mandigers P
%J Animals (Basel)
%V 14
%N 13
%D 2024 Jun 23
%M 38997971
%F 3.231
%R 10.3390/ani14131859
%X <B>BACKGROUND: </B>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).<BR><B>METHODS: </B>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.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>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).<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>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.