title: Neurological signs and pre- and post-traction low-field MRI findings in Dobermanns with disc-associated cervical spondylomyelopathy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate whether the presence of neurological signs and magnetic resonance imaging findings could predict the presence of a traction-responsive lesion in Dobermanns affected by disc-associated cervical spondylomyelopathy.
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective review of neurological signs and low-field pre- and post-traction magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities of the cervical spine (abnormal vertebral body shape and vertebral tipping, intervertebral disc degeneration, protrusion and ligamentum flavum hypertrophy) in Dobermanns with disc-associated cervical spondylomyelopathy. The main outcome of interest was response to linear traction (dynamic versus static) at C6-C7 intervertebral disc space. The association between investigated variables and response to linear traction was assessed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The study included 25 dogs. No association was identified between neurological status grading and the presence of a static or traction-responsive lesion. Of the investigated magnetic resonance findings, C7-T1 intervertebral disc degeneration was significantly (P = 0 · 03) associated with the presence of a traction-responsive lesion at C6-C7 intervertebral disc space.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The presence of C7-T1 intervertebral disc degeneration might help in predicting the presence of traction-responsive C6-C7 intervertebral disc lesions.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Small Animal Studies, Animal Health Trust, Newmarket, Suffolk, CB8 7UU.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Stabile
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bernardini
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Bevilacqua
authors.forename: A B
authors.initials: AB
authors.lastname: Ekiri
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: de Stefani
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: De Risio
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000473:pathology; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D055959:Intervertebral Disc Degeneration / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy / Q000821:virology*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000662:veterinary*; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014143:Traction / Q000662:veterinary*