Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Using traction during MRI to diagnose wobbler syndrome in dogs
By Penderis, Jacques & Dennis, Ruth·Published in Veterinary radiology & ultrasound : the official journal of the American College of Veterinary Radiology and the International Veterinary Radiology Association·2004·Animal Health Trust, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Use of traction during magnetic resonance imaging of caudal cervical spondylomyelopathy ("wobbler syndrome") in the dog.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A large-breed dog with wobbler syndrome, which causes neck instability and can lead to nerve compression, was evaluated using a new method during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This technique involved applying traction to the neck to help identify if the compression changes when the dog is in different positions. Unlike traditional myelography, which can risk worsening the dog's condition, this MRI method appears safer and still provides valuable information about the dog's spinal cord. This innovative approach could help veterinarians make better treatment decisions for dogs suffering from this condition.
People also search for: dog wobbler syndrome treatment · MRI for dog neck problems · large breed dog neck pain
Abstract
Cervical spondylomyelopathy or "wobbler syndrome" is a well-defined disorder of large-breed dogs, characterized by a compressive lesion affecting the cervical spinal cord that in many dogs may have a dynamic component. Determination of whether this dynamic component is present is important in the decision-making process as regards therapeutic intervention. Despite a significant risk of neurologic deterioration following myelography in some large dogs affected by wobbler syndrome, myelography is considered an essential part of the assessment, primarily as it allows assessment of whether a dynamic compression exists. This same neurologic deterioration is not apparent following magnetic resonance (MR) imaging; however, the use of MR imaging in the investigation of wobbler syndrome has thus far been limited by the inability to perform the traction studies required to ascertain whether a dynamic component to the spinal cord compression exists. This paper presents a technique of applying traction during MR imaging of the cervical spine to reduce a dynamic wobbler syndrome lesion.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15200258/