Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
MRI methods compared for spine joint problems in Pug dogs with back
By Gilbert, Emma et al.·Published in Frontiers in veterinary science·2023·Neurology Department, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
PetCaseFinder translated the abstract of this peer-reviewed paper into plain English so pet owners can read it. We do not publish original research — every detail traces back to the citation above. How we work →
Original publication title: Comparison of standard T2-weighted turbo spin echo and volumetric interpolated breath-hold examination magnetic resonance imaging sequences in the assessment of articular process dysplasia in Pug dogs with thoracolumbar myelopathy.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of Pug dogs with back problems were evaluated using two different types of MRI scans to see which one better identified issues with their spinal joints. The newer VIBE MRI technique was found to be more accurate than the traditional T2-weighted MRI for detecting abnormalities in the joint structure. This means that vets might rely less on CT scans for assessing these issues before surgery. The study suggests that using VIBE could lead to better diagnosis and treatment planning for Pugs with thoracolumbar myelopathy.
People also search for: Pug back problems MRI · thoracolumbar myelopathy treatment · joint issues in Pugs
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: A retrospective study to compare the classification, as normal, hypoplastic or aplastic, of thoracic (T10-T13) caudal articular process (CAP) morphology in Pug dogs with a thoracolumbar myelopathy as normal, hypoplastic or aplastic, between T2 weighted Turbo Spin Echo (T2W-TSE), in sagittal and transverse planes, and Volumetric Interpolated Breath-hold Examination (VIBE) Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) sequences, in comparison to Computed Tomography (CT). We hypothesized a stronger agreement for VIBE in comparison to T2W-TSE. RESULTS: Diagnostic accuracy of T2W-TSE was inferior to VIBE for aplastic (60%, 95% CI 0.561-0.639 vs. 78%, 95%CI 0.744-0.815) hypoplastic (44%, 95%CI 0.427-0.452 vs. 62.5%, 95%CI 0.595-0.655) and normal CAP (70%, 95%CI 0.655-0.744 vs. 87%, 95%CI 0.848-0.892). Superior accuracy of classification using VIBE vs. T2W-TSE sequences using the McNemar Chi squared test was significant for aplastic (= 0.0002) and normal CAP (= 0.004). VIBE sequences had a sensitivity of 96% and specificity of 75% to detect CAP abnormality and with T2W-TSE imaging sensitivity 81% and specificity of 75%. DISCUSSION: Three-dimensionally reconstructable VIBE sequences were significantly more accurate than traditional T2W-TSE MRI sequences in classifying CAP morphology, which should reduce the need for CT for pre-operative assessment.
Find similar cases for your pet
PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.
Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37829356/