Persistent fontanelles in Chihuahuas. Part I. Distribution and clinical relevance

Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine

Jouni J. T. Junnila¹  Anna‐Mariam Kiviranta²  Tarja S. Jokinen²  Anu K. Lappalainen²  Clare Rusbridge³ 

[1] 4Pharma Ltd Helsinki Finland;Department of Equine and Small Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Helsinki Helsinki Finland;School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences University of Surrey Guildford United Kingdom;

关键词: Chiari‐like malformation;    Chihuahua;    craniocervical junction;    fontanelle;    ossification;    syringomyelia;   

DOI  :  10.1111/jvim.16151

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Abstract Background The Chihuahua dog breed is known for frequent occurrence of a bregmatic fontanelle on the dorsal skull. A common conception is that this skull defect is a clinically irrelevant finding. No studies, however, describe its prevalence or whether it is accompanied by other persistent fontanelles (PFs). Although Chihuahuas are predisposed to Chiari‐like malformation (CM) and syringomyelia (SM), it is unknown whether PFs occur more commonly in dogs with clinical signs that are caused by CM or SM. Hypothesis/Objectives To describe the number and location of PFs at cranial sutures (CSs) and to compare the occurrence of these PFs in dogs with and without CM/SM‐related clinical signs. We hypothesized that PFs also occur commonly at lateral and caudal cranial surfaces, affect a higher number of CSs, and are larger in dogs with CM/SM‐related clinical signs. Animals Fifty client‐owned Chihuahuas with or without CM/SM‐related clinical signs. Results Of the 50 dogs evaluated, 46 (92%) had either 1 or several PFs. The mean ± SD number of PFs was 2.8 ± 3.0 (range, 0‐13). A total of 138 PFs occupied 118 CSs with 57 (48%) located dorsally, 44 (37%) caudally, and 17 (14%) laterally. The number of CSs affected by PFs was significantly higher (P ≤ .001) and total PF area was significantly larger (P = .003) in dogs with CM/SM‐related clinical signs. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Persistent fontanelles are very common in this group of Chihuahuas and appear at dorsal, lateral, and caudal cranial surfaces. They are more numerous and larger in Chihuahuas with CM/SM‐related clinical signs.

【 授权许可】

Unknown