Comparison of Three Radiographic Contrast Procedures in the Evaluation of the Canine Lumbosacral Spinal Canal

Abstract

Lumbar myelography, intraosseous caudal vertebral venography, and epidurography were performed in 12 normal, mature mixed-breed dogs. The radiographic appearance of the lumbosacral region was evaluated in both the lateral and ventrodorsal projections. These three radiographic contrast procedures were repeated in the same dogs after the introduction of a silicone mass into the spinal canal at the lumbosacral junction. The radiographic findings were compared with postmortem findings to determine which contrast procedure was most useful in detecting the mass in the lumbosacral spine. None of the procedures evaluated consistently produced goodquality studies in the normal dogs. After introduction of the silicone mass, lumbosacral epidurography yielded the largest number of positive correlations. However, the sensitivity of lumbosacral epidurography was less than 50% in the lateral projection and less than 20% in the ventrodorsal projection. Though none of the procedures were consistently helpful in the diagnosis of the lumbosacral masses, lumbosacral epidurography has the most potential to give consistently goodquality studies and thereby a greater probability of detecting an abnormality. Veterinary Radidogy, Vol. 29, No. I , I988;

Surgical Treatment of Degenerative Lumbosacral Stenosis in Dogs

“…Although a combination of survey radiographs, stress radiographs, and different contrast techniques usually confirm the diagnosis, false negative results are possible because of a failure to appreciate soft tissue lesions 19–21,23–25 . Osteophytes and spondylosis in the lumbosacral area seen on survey radiographic films are common incidental findings in large breed dogs and should be interpreted carefully 47 .…”

“…Epidurography is valuable in helping to visualize narrowing of the vertebral canal especially when caused by a bulging disk. Other techniques that can be used to confirm the diagnosis of DLSS, which are reported elsewhere but were not used in the present study, include vertebral sinus venography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and electromyography 19,24,25,48,49 …”

“…Survey radiographs and contrast studies including myelography, diskography, and/or epidurography were performed under general anesthesia 17–25 . Myelography was performed using either atlanto‐occipital or lumbar injections (L4‐L5 or L5‐L6).…”

The Advantage of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Diagnosis of Cauda Equina Syndrome in Dogs.

“…Hathcock et al [3] showed that it was difficult to diagnose the cauda equina syndrome, because survey radiography or myelography has not been able to reveal the cauda equina lesion. In epidulography or discography [11], the result was sometimes false as the contrast medium leaked to arachinoid space and after examination, some animals rarely showed back pain.…”

“…3) showed that L7 vertebral body was destroyed and the L7-S1 intervertebral disc was hypointense and the osteophyte at ventral side of the L7 vertebral body was slightly hypointense. We diagnosed that the cauda equina was compressed by means of the destroyed L7 vertebral body and osteophyte.Hathcock et al [3] showed that it was difficult to diagnose the cauda equina syndrome, because survey radiography or myelography has not been able to reveal the cauda equina lesion. In epidulography or discography [11], the result was sometimes false as the contrast medium leaked to arachinoid space and after examination, some animals rarely showed back pain.…”