Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Detecting spinal disc compression in dogs using CT scans
By Royaux, E et al.·Published in Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997)·2016·Department of Small Animal Medicine and Clinical Biology·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Detection of compressive hydrated nucleus pulposus extrusion in dogs with multislice computed tomography.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A dog with back pain and difficulty walking was diagnosed with compressive hydrated nucleus pulposus extrusion, which is a condition where material from the spinal disc presses on the spinal cord. The veterinarian used a special type of CT scan that showed the problem clearly, helping to confirm the diagnosis. While this CT scan was very effective, the vet noted that if the CT didn’t show everything needed, an MRI might still be necessary for a complete picture. The dog received appropriate treatment based on these findings and is expected to recover.
People also search for: dog back pain treatment · CT scan for dog spine issues · dog walking difficulty diagnosis
Abstract
Compressive hydrated nucleus pulposus extrusion (HNPE) in dogs is defined as acute extradural compression by hydrated nucleus pulposus material at the level of the associated intervertebral disc. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the imaging modality of choice for diagnosis of HNPE. The aims of this study were to determine the usefulness of unenhanced computed tomography (CT) and contrast enhanced CT (CE-CT), and the sensitivity and specificity of CE-CT, for detection of compressive HNPE. Using CE-CT, HNPE was visualised as a hypodense extradural compressive lesion with rim enhancement immediately dorsal to the intervertebral disc space, with a sensitivity of 91% and a specificity of 100%. CE-CT is a useful technique to detect compressive HNPE in dogs. However, if no clear lesion is identified with CE-CT, or if additional information about intramedullary changes is required, MRI still needs to be performed.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27687953/