Contribution of oblique projections on longitudinal and circunferential localization of thoracolumbar intervertebral disk extrusion in dogs.

Abstract

Thoracolumbar disk extrusion affects approximately 2% of the canine population and represents the most common cause of spinal compression in dogs. The diagnosis is based on a meticulous clinical and neurological exam and on complementary imaging exams that allow visualization of spinal cord compression, includind myelography, computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Among these, myelography is the most used diagnostic tool among veterinarians in this country as the equipment is readily available and of lower costs, however, the use of oblique views in the localization of thoracolumbar disk extrusion has not been widely reported in the literature. This study will retrospectively assess the contribution of 45º oblique views, in the longitudinal and circunferential diagnosis of thoracolumbar intervertebral disk extrusion, comparing the results to surgical findings, and to determine the effect of evaluators on film readings.