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. 2018 Jan;32(1):331-339.
doi: 10.1111/jvim.14856. Epub 2017 Nov 4.

Questionnaire-based Analysis of Owner-reported Scratching and Pain Signs in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Screened for Chiari-like Malformation and Syringomyelia

C R Sparks  1 , S Cerda-Gonzalez  2 , E H Griffith  3 , B D X Lascelles  1   4   5 , N J Olby  1   4
Affiliations

Questionnaire-based Analysis of Owner-reported Scratching and Pain Signs in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Screened for Chiari-like Malformation and Syringomyelia

C R Sparks et al. J Vet Intern Med. 2018 Jan.

Abstract

Background: Chiari-like malformation (CM) and syringomyelia (SM) cause a pain syndrome in Cavalier King Charles spaniels (CKCS). Clinical signs are not consistently apparent on neurologic examination, and owner reporting of signs provides vital clinical history. However, owner questionnaires for this disease are not well developed.

Objectives: To develop a tool to capture owner-reported clinical signs for use in clinical trials and to compare owner-reported signs with the presence of pain on neurologic examination and SM on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Animals: Fifty client-owned CKCS.

Methods: Owners completed a questionnaire and pain/scratch map. Each dog underwent a neurologic examination and craniocervical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Questionnaire responses were developed into scores, area of shading for pain/scratch maps was measured, and consistency of responses between these tools was assessed. Owner-reported findings were compared with neurologic examination findings and presence and severity of SM on MRI.

Results: Thirty-three dogs were symptomatic and 17 asymptomatic; 30 had SM. The most common sign of pain was crying out when lifted (n = 11). Extent of shaded areas on maps positively correlated with questionnaire scores for pain (r2 = 0.213, P = 0.006) and scratch (r2 = 0.104, P = 0.089). Owner-reported findings were not significantly associated with presence or severity of SM or neurologic examination findings. Owner-reported lateralization of signs was significantly associated with SM lateralization (P < 0.0001).

Conclusions: The questionnaire and maps may be useful for clinical trials. Lack of association of owner-reported signs with SM highlights our lack of understanding of the pathophysiology of pain in this disease.

Keywords: Neuropathic pain; Paresthesia; Phantom scratch; Syrinx.

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Conflict of interest statement

Dr. Olby was invited to give a presentation on proposed work at the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club of America in 2015. Her accommodation and travel costs were covered by the group.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
The range and frequency of pain signs reported by owners of dogs with CMSM. N = 50 dogs.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Correlation of the total pain and scratch scores, developed from ChiMPS‐T responses, with the area shaded on the corresponding ChiMPS‐M. Area measured in mm2.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Correlation of the maximum syrinx height (measured as a percent of spinal cord height) with the total pain and scratch scores developed from ChiMPS‐T responses.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Correlation of the maximum syrinx height (measured as a percent of spinal cord height) with the area shaded on the corresponding pain and scratch ChiMPS‐M. Area measured in mm2.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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