Comparison of imaging techniques for the diagnosis of spinal lesions in dogs

Forty-seven dogs with traumatic posterior paralysis presented were subjected to survey radiography for determining the site and type of spinal injury. Of these, 20 were subjected to myelography. One dog was subjected to digital radiography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Plain radiography was often adequate to diagnose subluxations, luxations, fractures and fracture-luxations of the vertebral column. However, mild cases of subluxations were often less appreciable when survey radiographs were obtained with the animal under general anaesthesia. Myelography was efficient in identifying spinal cord compression in all cases studied. Digital radiography provided images of superior quality compared to those obtained by conventional radiography. Computed tomography helped to visualize fractures better as compared to conventional radiography. Magnetic resonance imaging was helpful in determining the actual status of the spinal cord and appeared to be the best technique for studying the spinal cord as compared to any other technique.