![]() ![]() The cervical vertebra has been examined less frequently than the lumbar region in small dogs. Data from these studies supported the conclusion that evaluation of the spinal cord, subarachnoid space, epidural space, and vertebral canal should performed based on the variety of breed-specific characteristics because there are significant differences in the component proportion ratio of subarachnoid space, spinal cord, and vertebral canal. Previous studies have evaluated the ratios of the diameter or area between spinal cord and vertebral canal in specific vertebral regions in dogs according to body size. Quantitative evaluation of spinal cord size along with the relationship between the spinal cord and vertebral canal can provide important data for distinguishing different diseases and predicting a patient's prognosis. CT images can be displayed in different gray scale formats using various window setting according to the region of interest, and provide reformatted images that can enhance the visualization of specific structures without additional movement of the patient or further exposure to radiation. Diagnostic imaging techniques used to visualize transverse planes such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can reduce confusion encountered when evaluating vertebrae and the spinal cord by eliminating the superimposition of normal structures and pathological lesions. While basic radiography and standard myelography provide important information regarding the subarachnoid space, spinal cord, and vertebral canal, the complex shape of the vertebra as well as overlapping bony and soft tissue structures make radiographic evaluation of the vertebral column difficult. Radiography is the primary diagnostic modality used to diagnose vertebral diseases in practice. Wobbler's syndrome, intervertebral disk disease, hydromyelia, syringomyelia, intramedullary neoplasia, myelomalacia, and spinal cord atrophy are examples of spinal disorders. Most vertebral disorders are caused by damages to the spinal cord, which make the spinal cord compressed or swollen. The vertebra consists of a bony portion including the vertebral body, laminae, pedicles, and processes along with soft tissues including the spinal cord, nerves, vessels, and ligaments. ![]() ![]() Results of the present study could provide basic and quantitative information for CT evaluation of pathologic lesions in the cervical vertebra and spinal cord. However, the ratio of the spinal cord area to vertebral canal area in the small dogs was higher than that of the larger dogs. The height, width, and area of the vertebral canal and spinal cord in the cervical vertebra were increased as the size of dog increased. The spinal cord had a tendency to have a clear ventral border in the middle portion of the vertebral canal and lateral borders near both end plates. CT myelography facilitated the delineation of the epidural space, subarachnoid space, and spinal cord except at the caudal portion of the 7th cervical vertebra. Measurements were taken at the cranial, middle, and caudal point of each cervical vertebra in eight clinically normal small breed dogs (two shih tzu, two miniature schnauzers, and four mixed breed), 10 beagles, and four German shepherds. The height, width, and cross-sectional area of the vertebral canal and spinal cord along with the area ratio of spinal cord to vertebral canal in the cervical vertebra were evaluated in images obtained using computed tomography (CT). ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |