1612: Diagnosis of Intervertebral Disc Disease in Dogs Using Computed Tomography: A Comparison of Computed Tomography and Myelography

Grant Amount: $5,000

Natasha J Olby, VetMB, PhD; North Carolina State University

December 7, 1998 - December 6, 1999

Sponsor(s): Basset Hound Club of America, Inc., Cardigan Welsh Corgi Club of America, Clumber Spaniel Club of America, Dachshund Club of America, Inc., Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of America

Breed(s): -All Dogs

Research Program Area: Neurology

Project Summary

This study found that computed tomography (CT) imaging is a viable alternative to myelography when used to identify mineralized disc material. Certain breeds of dogs�mostly chondrodystrophoid breeds�herniate mineralized disc material. For those breeds (which include the Dachshund, Lhasa Apso, Shih Tzu, Cocker Spaniel, Basset Hound, Beagle and Toy Poodle), the study found that the CT scan is a good alternative to myelography. It is a more sensitive test and takes approximately half the time of a myelogram, so that the dog is under anesthesia for a shorter period of time. Herniated discs in dogs are traditionally diagnosed using myelography, in which a contrast agent is injected around the spinal cord and x-rays are taken of the spine. But CT imaging offers an alternative that is less invasive (no contrast dye is used) and quicker, without the potential for temporary neurological impairment or seizures sometimes seen following myelography.

Publication(s)

None at this time.