Radiographic and Myelographic Examination of the Cervical Vertebral Column in 306 Ataxic Horses

Abstract

This study consists of a review of 306 ataxic horses subjected to survey radiography and myelography of the cervical vertebral column. Fifty‐eight percent of horses had evidence of compressive spinal cord lesion on myelography. Sixty‐six percent of horses were less than 3 years old. Age had no effect on the distribution of spinal cord compressive lesions. No conclusion could be drawn from sex and breed distribution. The most common sites of cord compression on myelography in order of decreasing frequency were C3–4, C6–7, C5–6, and C4–5. Twenty‐nine percent of horses with myelographic evidence of cord compression had multiple compressive sites. Survey radiographs were not reliable to diagnose compressive spinal cord lesions. Myelography was a safe and more accurate procedure. Several factors may result in misinterpretation of the myelographic examination.

Examination of Frozen Cross Sections of Cervical Spinal Intersegments in Nine Horses with Cervical Vertebral Malformation: Lesions Associated with Spinal Cord Compression

“…19,26 Some authors have suggested that CVM has a genetic predisposition in faster growing "performance" animals, 19 but others have refuted this theory. 7,9,22,34 These findings may be biased by economics, management, and the intended use of these horses and/or an over-representation of these breeds at referral hospitals capable of performing advanced diagnostic and surgical treatments.…”

“…17,21,22,25,37 Survey radiographs of the cervical vertebrae are helpful for identifying proliferative changes and vertebral body malalignment but are inefficient in comparison to myelography for the diagnosis of compressive spinal cord lesions. 22 In a study of 306 ataxic horses undergoing radiography and myelography, the most common sites of spinal cord compression were (in order) C 3-4 , C 6-7 , C 22 5-6 , and G-5. Of the horses with spinal cord compression, myelography revealed that 29% were affected at multiple sites.…”

“…Of the horses with spinal cord compression, myelography revealed that 29% were affected at multiple sites. 22 The recent advances in surgical techniques to treat CVM 4,18,20,32,33 have made it imperative to identify the site(s) of the lesion(s) before attempting surgical intervention. A study utilizing equine cadavers and contrast-enhanced computed tomography identified generalized stenosis of the cervical spinal canal in horses with CVM.…”

“…26 Terms used to describe the syndrome that results in constant or intermittent impingement of the cervical spinal cord include wobblers, equine sensory ataxia, cervical vertebral instability, cervical stenotic myelopathy, and cervical vertebral malformation/malarticulation (CVM). 15,19,26,35,36 The signalment, history, and clinica1 15,19,26,35,36 and radiographic 17,21,22,25,37 signs of horses with CVM have been previously reported.The pathogenesis of CVM in horses remains unclear but appears to be multifactorial. Two general theories have evolved regarding the etiopathogenesis of CVM in horses.…”

Radiographic imaging of the caudal cervical synovial intervertebral articulations in the warmblooded horse

“…Als weitere pathologische Prozesse im Bereich der Halswirbelsäule kommen neben Spondylolisthesis und der Ausdehnung der caudalen Epiphysenfuge des Wirbelkörpers nach dorsal ("ski-jump") unter anderem synoviale Gelenkaussakkungen oder -zysten (Gerber et al 1980, Gerber et al 1989, Papageorges et. al.…”