Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Ventral spinal cysts near discs seen on MRI in 7 dogs
By Konar, Martin et al.·Published in Veterinary surgery : VS·2008·Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Ventral intraspinal cysts associated with the intervertebral disc: magnetic resonance imaging observations in seven dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 7-year-old mixed-breed dog was brought in for back pain and difficulty walking, showing signs similar to a herniated disc. An MRI revealed a fluid-filled cyst near the intervertebral disc, which was causing pressure on the spinal cord. The dog underwent surgery to remove the cyst, and after the procedure, it showed significant improvement in mobility and comfort. The findings suggest that these types of cysts can mimic disc herniation symptoms, so it's important for vets to consider them when diagnosing back issues in dogs.
People also search for: dog back pain treatment · dog herniated disc symptoms · dog spinal cyst surgery
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To report clinical and diagnostic imaging features, and outcome after surgical treatment of ventral intraspinal cysts in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: Dogs (n=7) with ventral intraspinal cysts. METHODS: Clinical signs, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings and surgical findings of 7 dogs and histologic findings (1 dog) with intraspinal cysts associated with the intervertebral disc were reviewed. RESULTS: Ventral intraspinal cyst is characterized by: (1) clinical signs indistinguishable from those of typical disc herniation; (2) an extradural, round to oval, mass lesion with low T1 and high T2 signal intensity on MRI, compatible with a liquid-containing cyst; (3) cyst is in close proximity to the intervertebral disc; and (4) MRI signs of disc degeneration. Although the exact cause is unknown, underlying minor disc injury may predispose to cyst formation. CONCLUSION: Intraspinal cysts have clinical signs identical to those of disc herniation. Given the close proximity of the cyst to the corresponding disc and the similarity of MRI findings to discal cysts in humans, we propose the term "canine discal cyst" to describe this observation. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Discal cysts should be considered in the differential choices for cystic extradural compressing lesions.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18199062/