Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
MRI shows muscle changes in dogs with spinal embolism and back pain
By Martens, Sabrina M et al.·Published in The Canadian veterinary journal = La revue veterinaire canadienne·2018·Department of Clinical Studies, Canada·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Magnetic resonance imaging muscle lesions in presumptive canine fibrocartilaginous embolic myelopathy.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of dogs diagnosed with a condition called fibrocartilaginous embolic myelopathy (FCEM) showed signs of muscle issues on MRI scans. Many of these dogs also experienced prolonged pain in their spine, lasting more than 12 hours. However, the study found no clear link between the muscle issues seen on the MRI and the duration of pain. This information could help veterinarians when diagnosing similar cases, especially when MRI isn't available.
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Abstract
This retrospective cohort study reports the observation of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) epaxial muscle hyperintensity in dogs diagnosed with presumptive fibrocartilaginous embolic myelopathy (FCEM) (= 61). It further reports the observation of vertebral column hyperesthesia lasting > 12 hours. The hypothesis tested was that the finding of MRI epaxial muscle hyperintensity correlated with dogs presenting with hyperesthesia. Client-owned dogs diagnosed with presumptive FCEM by specific MRI criteria were included. Statistical analysis was performed using Fisher's exact test. Twenty-three percent (14/61) of MRIs displayed abnormal muscle hyperintensity and 43% (26/61) exhibited vertebral column hyperesthesia. No relationship was found between muscle hyperintensity and pain persisting beyond 12 hours. The muscle hyperintensity remains of unknown significance. That 43% of presumptive FCEM cases have prolonged signs of pain is a higher prevalence than previously reported, and may affect clinical differential diagnoses. This is especially significant in cases in which MRI is not possible and a presumptive diagnosis must be based on the clinical signs.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30532285/