Chiari-like Malformation and Syringomyelia in Pomeranians: A Longitudinal Study

TL;DR

This study shows that syringomyelia in Pomeranians often worsens over time, and furosemide treatment may help slow its progression.

Contribution

The study provides longitudinal MRI evidence of syringomyelia progression and evaluates the effect of furosemide treatment in Pomeranians.

Findings

Almost 40% of dogs developed or worsened syringomyelia between two MRI scans.

Furosemide treatment was associated with slower syrinx progression compared to untreated dogs.

Syrinx size measurements increased significantly over time in most dogs.

Abstract

Chiari-like malformation (CM) and syringomyelia (SM) are two common health problems in the Pomeranian dog breed that can affect the dog’s quality of life. To prevent these issues in future generations, it is essential to ensure that only healthy dogs are used for breeding. However, it is not yet clear how these two conditions change over time, which can make breeding selection challenging. Dogs that seem healthy can still develop conditions later in life. This study looked at how CM and SM develop over time using repeated MRI scans. We studied Pomeranians that had two MRI scans between 2015 and 2025. We checked the CM/SM status and measured the size of the fluid-filled cavity (syrinx) in their spinal cord. By the time of the second MRI scan, almost 40% of the dogs had either developed SM or seen their condition worsen. The syrinxes got noticeably larger over time. We concluded that the size of the syrinx can change over time, often getting worse.

Background: Chiari-like malformation (CM) and syringomyelia (SM) are commonly observed conditions in Pomeranian dogs. Affected dogs may develop clinical signs that significantly impact quality of life. Therefore, it is crucial to select only unaffected dogs for breeding. However, the progression of CM/SM has not been fully elucidated. Dogs that are unaffected or mildly affected may progress to severe SM over time. The primary aim of this study is to investigate the progression of CM/SM through repeated MRI scans. A secondary objective is to evaluate the effect of furosemide treatment on syrinx sizes, given its frequent prescription. Methods: Pomeranians that underwent two CM/SM screenings between 2015 and 2025 were included. CM/SM classifications were assessed, and quantitative syrinx measurements were conducted. Maximum syrinx diameter (MSD) and maximum syrinx-to-spinal cord diameter ratio (MSD/SCD-r) were measured and documented. Dogs were classified based on the progression of SM. Furosemide treatment was documented, and its effect on syrinx size was compared with that in dogs not receiving furosemide. Results: At the time of the second MRI, 39.6% of dogs either developed SM or showed substantial progression, whereas 12.5% demonstrated partial recovery. Of the dogs initially classified as free from SM, 20.7% had developed the condition. A significant increase was observed in both MSD (p = 0.0058) and MSD/SCD-r (p = 0.0038) between MRI1 and MRI2. Notably, the change in MSD between MRI1 and MRI2 was statistically significantly smaller in dogs treated with furosemide compared to untreated dogs (p = 0.030). Conclusions: These findings indicate that syrinx dimensions are dynamic and may fluctuate over time, although a general trend toward progression is observed. Furthermore, furosemide may mitigate the progression of SM.

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