title: Using geographical information system for spatial evaluation of canine extruded disc herniation.
abstract: Disc herniation is one of the most common pathologies of the vertebral column in dogs. The aim of this study was to develop a geographical information system (GIS)-based vertebral canal (VC) map useful for spatial evaluation of extruded disc herniation (EDH) in dogs. ArcGIS® was used to create two-dimensional and three-dimensional maps, in which the VC surface is divided into polygons by lines representing latitude and longitude. Actual locations and directions of the herniated disc material were assessed by a series of 142 computer tomographies of dogs collected between 2005 and 2013. Most EDHs were located on the cervical and transitional regions (thoraco-lumbar and lumbo-sacral) and shown at the level of the ventro- cranial and ventro-central polygons created. Choropleth maps, highlighting the distribution and the location/direction patterns of the EDHs throughout the VC, were produced based on the frequency of the ailment. GIS proved to be a valuable tool in analysing EDH in dogs. Further studies are required for biomechanical analysis of EDH patterns.
authors.affiliation: Clinics Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, "Ion Ionescu de la Brad" University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Iasi, Iasi, Romania.
authors.forename: Constantin
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Daraban
authors.affiliation: Interdepartmental Veterinary Radiology Centre, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Carla
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Murino
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Giuseppe
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Marzatico
authors.affiliation: Interdepartmental Veterinary Radiology Centre, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Giuseppina
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Mennonna
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Gerardo
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Fatone
authors.affiliation: Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Società di Diagnostica Nucleare, Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Luigi
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Auletta
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Fabiana
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Miceli
authors.affiliation: Clinics Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, "Ion Ionescu de la Brad" University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Iasi, Iasi, Romania.
authors.forename: Vasile
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Vulpe
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Leonardo
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Meomartino
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D004285:Dogs; D040362:Geographic Information Systems; D007405:Intervertebral Disc Displacement / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D062206:Spatial Analysis; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000033:anatomy & histology