Influence of body weight, age, and sex on cerebrospinal fluid peak flow velocity in dogs without neurological disorders

Background Changes in the brain can affect the flow velocity of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). In humans, the flow velocity of CSF is not only altered by disease but also by age and sex. Such influences are not known in dogs. Hypothesis Peak flow velocity of CSF in dogs is associated with body weight, age, and sex. Animals Peak flow velocity of CSF was measured in 32 client‐owned dogs of different breeds, age, and sex. Methods Peak flow velocity of CSF was determined by phase‐contrast magnetic resonance imaging (PC‐MRI) at the mesencephalic aqueduct, foramen magnum (FM), and second cervical vertebral body (C2). Dogs were grouped according to body weight, age, and sex. Flow velocity of CSF was compared between groups using linear regression models. Results Dogs with body weight >20 kg had higher CSF peak velocity compared with dogs