Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Myelo-CT scan signs of neck disc extrusion in 15 dogs after surgery
By Farré Mariné, Alba et al.·Published in Veterinary radiology & ultrasound : the official journal of the American College of Veterinary Radiology and the International Veterinary Radiology Association·2024·Aú, Spain·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Myelo-CT imaging findings in 15 dogs with surgically-treated cervical acute compressive hydrated nucleus pulposus extrusion.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 15 dogs with sudden neck pain and neurological issues were diagnosed with a condition called compressive hydrated nucleus pulposus extrusion, which involves a herniated disc in the neck. The dogs underwent surgery, and myelo-CT imaging helped identify the specific characteristics of the condition, showing a unique "seagull"-shaped compression in the spinal area. This imaging technique could be beneficial for vets when MRI isn't available, helping them decide whether to treat the condition with surgery or a more conservative approach. All dogs received surgical treatment and were monitored for recovery.
People also search for: dog neck pain treatment · herniated disc in dogs · myelo-CT imaging for dogs
Abstract
Compressive hydrated nucleus pulposus extrusion (HNPE) is a sudden extrusion of hydrated, nondegenerated nucleus pulposus material with well-known characteristic MRI findings. The appearance of compressive HNPE during contrast-enhanced CT has already been described, but never its myelo-CT characteristics. The aim of this retrospective multicenter case series is to describe the myelo-CT findings in 15 dogs with compressive HNPE confirmed with gross surgical findings. A distinctive and consistent myelo-CT appearance of cervical compressive HNPE in dogs that included a focal extradural "seagull"-shaped extradural compression dorsal to the annulus fibrosus combined with a narrowing of the affected intervertebral disc space was found. The extruded material was hypoattenuating in the soft tissue algorithm. Myelo-CT could be a useful diagnostic tool and influence the clinical decision to address cervical compressive HNPE conservatively or surgically when MRI is not available.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38349181/