The prevalence of sacroiliac joint CT and MRI findings is high in large breed dogs

Abstract

Sacroiliac joint (SIJ) disease has been described as one of the possible causes of lumbosacral (LS) region pain in dogs. However, published information is currently lacking for the computed tomographic (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics of canine SIJ disease. The objectives of this retrospective, observational study were to describe and quantify CT and MRI SIJ findings in a sample of large breed dogs and test associations between the numbers of SIJ findings and other variables. Data archives for a veterinary teaching hospital were searched for large breed dogs (≥ 22.7 kg) that had CT or MRI scans of the LS and pelvic regions in 2015–2019. Dogs with a history of acute trauma or scans with incomplete SIJs were excluded. A veterinary student recorded medical record findings. A veterinary radiologist and graduate student recorded CT and MRI findings based on previously published criteria in dogs and humans. Fifty‐three dogs were sampled (20 CT, 33 MRI). Categories of findings with the highest prevalence were subchondral erosion (100% CT, 100% MRI) and subchondral sclerosis (95% CT, 97% MRI). The total numbers of SIJ findings per dog were not associated with dog age, sex, weight, or concurrent findings in the LS or pelvic regions. The total number of MRI SIJ findings per dog differed between German Shepherds and Labrador Retrievers (P = 0.0237) as well as between Labrador Retrievers and other breeds (P = 0.0414). These results indicated that CT and MRI findings reported in humans with SIJ disease are common in large breed dogs.

Long‐term outcome of infectious sacroiliitis due to Pasteurella multocida in a dog

“…The CT study performed in a dog with septic sacroiliitis demonstrated decreased cortical delineation adjacent to the joint and increase in the sacroiliac joint space 3 . Studies with degenerative sacroiliac joint disease could demonstrate subarticular clefts, subchondral cysts, subchondral sclerosis and ankylosis lesions, with this method being comparable to gross pathology and considered a ‘reference standard test’ for future studies regarding canine sacroiliac joint lesions 18,19 …”

“…3 Studies with degenerative sacroiliac joint disease could demonstrate subarticular clefts, subchondral cysts, subchondral sclerosis and ankylosis lesions, with this method being comparable to gross pathology and considered a 'reference standard test' for future studies regarding canine sacroiliac joint lesions. 18,19 In humans, MRI seems to be more sensitive and allows early diagnosis of infectious sacroiliitis. 9 MRI provides information including increased joint space, effusions, bone marrow oedema, bone erosion, and adjacent soft tissue abnormalities, including periarticular muscle oedema, capsulitis and extracapsular fluid accumulations.…”

“…The close anatomical association of the sacroiliac joint and lumbosacral spine mean that it can be challenging to determine exactly where the pain is arising from 17 . Computed tomography (CT) imaging is a reliable test to evaluate degenerative sacroiliac joint lesions, being comparable to gross pathology 18,19 . In presumptive infectious sacroiliitis, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used to demonstrate muscle contrast enhancement, bone marrow changes and characteristic signs that can differentiate it from non‐infectious aetiologies 4,5,19 .…”

“…17 Computed tomography (CT) imaging is a reliable test to evaluate degenerative sacroiliac joint lesions, being comparable to gross pathology. 18,19 In presumptive infectious sacroiliitis, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used to demonstrate muscle contrast enhancement, bone marrow changes and characteristic signs that can differentiate it from non-infectious aetiologies. 4,5,19 Isolation of the aetiological agent is the gold standard test, but is rarely reported in dogs with infectious sacroiliitis.…”