A twenty-month-old Chihuahua male dog was presented to us suffering with ataxia. Based on the physical examination, X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations, we diagnosed the dog with hydrocephalus, Chiari I malformation and syringomyelia. Treatment consisted of internal medical treatment and the placement of a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt. The ventricular dilatation was relieved and the dog improved neurologically; however, the Chiari I malformation and syringomyelia remained after surgically positioning the VP shunt.
Animals ; Dog Diseases/*therapy ; Dogs ; Hydrocephalus/diagnosis/therapy/*veterinary ; Male ; Syringomyelia/*veterinary ; Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt/*veterinary

Three small breed dogs were referred for the evaluation of neurologic deficits. Upon physical and neurologic examination, all dogs displayed hyperesthesia, pain, and neck stiffness. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed on the brain and spinal cord, and all three dogs presented Chiari-like malformations and syringomyelia. These dogs were treated with prednisolone and furosemide, and showed rapid improvement of clinical signs. Chiari malformations and syringomyelia were not improved because of congenital disorders. This case report demonstrates the clinical and diagnostic features of Chiari-like malformations and syringomyelia in three small breed dogs.
Animals ; Anti-Inflammatory Agents/therapeutic use ; Arnold-Chiari Malformation/pathology/*veterinary ; Body Size ; Diuretics/therapeutic use ; Dog Diseases/drug therapy/*pathology ; Dogs ; Female ; Furosemide/therapeutic use ; Male ; Prednisolone/therapeutic use ; Syringomyelia/drug therapy/pathology/*veterinary