Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Using MRI to grade spinal disk wear in chondrodystrophic and other
By Bergknut, Niklas et al.·Published in American journal of veterinary research·2011·Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Netherlands·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Evaluation of intervertebral disk degeneration in chondrodystrophic and nonchondrodystrophic dogs by use of Pfirrmann grading of images obtained with low-field magnetic resonance imaging.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A study looked at how well a grading system for intervertebral disk (IVD) degeneration in humans could also be used for dogs. Researchers used MRI scans on 202 dogs and found that older dogs and those from chondrodystrophic breeds (like Dachshunds and Bulldogs) showed more signs of disk degeneration. The grading system worked well, with good agreement among different observers. This means that if your dog is older or from a breed prone to back issues, they may be at higher risk for IVD problems, and the Pfirrmann grading can help assess their condition.
People also search for: dog back pain treatment · Dachshund IVD degeneration · older dog spine problems
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To assess whether the Pfirrmann system for grading lumbar intervertebral disk (IVD) degeneration in humans can also be used in dogs. ANIMALS: 202 dogs. PROCEDURES: Magnetic resonance imaging was used to obtain images of vertebral segments from dogs, which were reviewed separately by 3 observers who graded the extent of degeneration in each visible IVD by use of the Pfirrmann classification system used for grading lumbar IVD degeneration in humans. Grading was validated against 2 factors associated with the extent of disk degeneration: type of dog (chondrodystrophic or nonchondrodystrophic breeds) and age. RESULTS: Interobserver and intraobserver agreement for Pfirrmann grading of IVD degeneration were good (κ scores, 0.81 to 0.93). An increase in the extent of disk degeneration was positively correlated with increases in age and with chondrodystrophic breed. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The Pfirrmann system was reliably used to grade IVD degeneration in dogs of various breeds and ages. An increase in the extent of IVD degeneration was positively correlated with increases in age and with chondrodystrophic-type dogs.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21728849/