Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Contrast MRI can change surgery plans for dogs with slipped discs
By Craciun, Ioana et al.·Published in Veterinary and comparative orthopaedics and traumatology : V.C.O.T·2022·Queen's Veterinary School Hospital, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Contrast-Enhanced Low-Field MRI Occasionally Alters the Surgical Approach for Canine Intervertebral Disc Extrusions.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 20 dogs with intervertebral disc extrusions (a condition where discs in the spine bulge and press on nerves) underwent MRI scans to help plan their surgery. In 17 of these dogs, the MRI showed that the bulging material was enhanced with a contrast agent, which helped the surgeon better locate the problem. For 14 of the dogs, this enhancement made the surgical plan more certain, and in two cases, it even changed the approach the surgeon took. This means that using contrast in MRI can improve the chances of a successful surgery for dogs with this condition.
People also search for: dog back surgery · intervertebral disc extrusion treatment · MRI for dog spine problems
Abstract
OBJECTIVES:  The aim of this study was to describe how the addition of contrast-enhanced low-field magnetic resonance imaging sequences can confirm or change the initially planned surgical approach for canine intervertebral disc extrusions. STUDY DESIGN:  Magnetic resonance imagings of 20 dogs diagnosed with intervertebral disc extrusions were retrospectively reviewed by a board-certified neurologist for the location of extradural disc material, contrast enhancement, and whether enhancement reinforced or changed the initially planned surgical approach. RESULTS:  Extradural compressive material contrast-enhanced in 17/20 dogs. In 14/20 dogs, enhancement was considered to increase the confidence level of the location for surgery including two cases where the surgical approach was altered. CONCLUSION:  Gadolinium-based contrast agents in low-field magnetic resonance imaging can aid the surgical planning of intervertebral disc extrusions in dogs by improving the confidence level of location and extent of extradural material and occasionally altering the surgical approach.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35732181/