2016 ACVIM Forum Research Abstract Program

In conclusion, dogs diagnosed with ANNPE affecting the thoracolumbar spinal cord segment developed impaired urinary/fecal continence significantly more frequently than dogs with presumptive FCEM. Impaired urinary/fecal continence can occur also in dogs that are ambulatory at presentation. The presence of persistent motor deficits is extremely common, particularly in dogs that presented non-ambulatory; however, no statistically significant difference was detected in the degree of recovery of motor function between the two groups. Morphological abnormalities of the caudal fossa are increasingly recognized as a cause of morbidity in many brachycephalic dogs but there is little information about these conditions in cats. The objective of this study was to investigate presence of similar morphological abnormalities of the caudal fossa of mesaticephalic and brachycephalic cats and possible association with clinical signs and final diagnosis. Feline brain MRI studies at two referral centres were reviewed for cases without visible disease that could alter anatomic landmarks or raise intracranial pressure. T2 weighted median plane images of the brain and if available spinal cord were reviewed for the presence of caudal cerebellar indentation, coning, herniation, syringohydromyelia, and fluid accumulation in the middle ear. Area of the cerebral hemispheres and cerebellum was also measured Blind measurements were taken by two observers and reviewed.