Introduction

Overview

• For radiographic technique see Radiography: spine Radiography: spine.

Radiographic considerations

• A low kV, high mAs technique will maximize contrast.
• Detail screens and film should be used for small dogs.
• A grid will be required for medium to large breeds.
• Survey radiography is relatively insensitive for the diagnosis of many spinal conditions.
• Myelography Radiography: myelography Radiology: myelography is required in most cases to confirm site of cord compression or disease.
• At least 2 orthogonal projections need to be taken.
• Positioning is extremely important as rotation and obliquity of the spine can make interpretation very difficult and may lead to erroneous diagnosis.
• Due to geometric effects of the diverging primary beam there will be artefactual narrowing of the intervertebral disks at the periphery of the film.
• For this reason multiple radiographs are required, centered on each region of the spine to avoid erroneous diagnosis of narrowed intervertebral disks.

Restraint

• Spinal radiography usually requires anesthesia to facilitate positioning.
• Care needs to be taken moving patient with suspected vertebral fractures or luxations as muscle relaxation with anesthesia may result in fracture/luxation becoming unstable.

Indications

• Investigation of neurological disease localized to spine.
• Back or neck pain.
• Investigation of FUO.
• Investigation of certain tumors, eg myeloma Myeloma.

Radiographic anatomy

Interpretation

Additional studies

Further Reading

Publications

Refereed papers

• Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.
• Penderis J, Schwarz T, McConnell J F et al (2005) Dysplasia of the caudal vertebral articular facets in four dogs: results of radiographic, myelographic and magnetic resonance imaging investigations. Vet Rec 156 (19), 601-605 PubMed.
• Bailey C S (1975) An embryological approach to the clinical significance of congenital vertebral and spinal cord abnormalities. JAAHA 11 (4), 426-434 VetMedResource.