Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Atlanto-axial approach for cervical myelography in a Thoroughbred horse with complete fusion of the atlanto-occipital bones.
- Journal:
- The Canadian veterinary journal = La revue veterinaire canadienne
- Year:
- 2014
- Authors:
- Aleman, Monica et al.
- Affiliation:
- and The William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (Dimock · United States
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A 2-year-old male Thoroughbred horse was showing signs of problems in the upper part of his spinal cord. He had a complete fusion of the bones at the base of his skull, which made it impossible to do a standard imaging test called a myelogram. Instead, the veterinarians used an ultrasound to help guide the procedure and successfully performed the myelogram at a different location in his neck. This test revealed a significant issue where the spinal cord was being compressed in two areas. The treatment approach was effective in identifying the problem.
Abstract
A 2-year-old Thoroughbred gelding with clinical signs localized to the first 6 spinal cord segments (C1 to C6) had complete fusion of the atlanto-occipital bones which precluded performing a routine myelogram. An ultrasound-assisted myelogram at the intervertebral space between the atlas and axis was successfully done and identified a marked extradural compressive myelopathy at the level of the atlas and axis, and axis and third cervical vertebrae.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25392550/