Evaluation of the internal vertebral venous plexus, vertebral canal, dural sac, and vertebral body via nonselective computed tomographic venography in the cervical vertebral column in healthy dogs.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate nonselective computed tomographic (CT) venography for evaluating the cervical internal vertebral venous plexus (IVVP), define the diameter and area dimensions of the IVVP, and determine the relationship between dimensions of the cervical IVVP and other vertebral components in medium-sized dogs. Animals-6 healthy dogs that weighed 18 to 27 kg. Procedure-Helical CT scans were performed from C1 to C7 before and after IV injection of contrast medium (480 mg of iodine/kg) and a continuous infusion (240 mg of iodine/kg). Image data were transferred to a CT workstation, and measurements were performed on displayed transverse images. Diameter and area measurements of the vertebral canal, dural sac, IVVP, and vertebral body were obtained at C3 to C7.


RESULTS
Opacification of vertebral venous structures was achieved in all dogs with no adverse reactions. Sagittal diameters of the IVVP for C3 to C7 ranged from 0.6 to 3.2 mm. Transverse diameters ranged from 2.32 to 5.74 mm. The IVVP area represented 12.4% of the mean vertebral canal transverse area and 30.61% of the mean vertebral epidural space area. Area measurements of the IVVP were significantly correlated with vertebral canal area and dural sac area.


CONCLUSIONS
Results indicated that nonselective CT venography is a safe, sensitive method for performing morphometric assessments of the cervical IVVP in dogs. Findings support the theory that there may be a physiologic or developmental relationship between cervical vertebral canal components.
Gómez
Marcelo A
MA
Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061-0442, USA.
Jones
Jeryl C
JC
Broadstone
Richard V
RV
Inzana
Karen D
KD
Freeman
Larry E
LE
D000818:Animals; D001837:Body Weights and Measures; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D004285:Dogs; D010690:Phlebography / Q000662:veterinary*; D013115:Spinal Canal / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000662:veterinary