Low-field magnetic resonance imaging findings of the caudal portion of the cervical region in clinically normal Doberman Pinschers and Foxhounds.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the spectrum and frequency of abnormalities for low-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations of clinically normal Doberman Pinschers and Foxhounds.


METHODS
37 clinically normal dogs (20 Doberman Pinschers and 17 Foxhounds).


METHODS
For each dog, MRI of the cervical vertebrae (sagittal, dorsal, and transverse T1- and T2-weighted images) was performed. Variables assessed were intervertebral disk degeneration, disk-associated compression, compression of the dorsal portion of the spinal cord, vertebral body abnormalities, and changes in intraparenchymal signal intensity. Associations between these variables and age, breed, sex, and location of the assessed intervertebral disk spaces were evaluated.


RESULTS
Severe MRI abnormalities were detected in 17 dogs, including complete disk degeneration (n = 4 dogs), spinal cord compression (3), or both (10). Vertebral body abnormalities were detected in 8 dogs, and hyperintense signal intensity was detected in 2 dogs. Severity of disk degeneration and disk-associated compression was significantly associated with increased age. There was a significant association between disk degeneration, disk-associated compression, and compression of the dorsal aspect of the spinal cord and location of the assessed intervertebral disk space, with the intervertebral disk spaces in the caudal portion of the cervical region being more severely affected.


CONCLUSIONS
Abnormalities were commonly seen on MRI examinations of the caudal portion of the cervical vertebral column and spinal cord of clinically normal Doberman Pinchers and Foxhounds. Such lesions were probably part of the typical spinal cord degeneration associated with the aging process of dogs.
De Decker
Steven
S
Department of Small Animal Medicine and Clinical Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium. steven.dedecker@ugent.be
Gielen
Ingrid M V L
IM
Duchateau
Luc
L
Van Soens
Iris
I
Bavegems
Valérie
V
Bosmans
Tim
T
van Bree
Henri J J
HJ
Van Ham
Luc M L
LM
D000818:Animals; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D004285:Dogs / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D005260:Female; D007403:Intervertebral Disc / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D008297:Male; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000033:anatomy & histology*