The role of ultrasonographyc examination in the assessment of musculoskeletal disorders in canine thoracolumbar and lumbar spine

Abstract

Based on physiological parameters established by a recent study that evaluated the anatomy of canine spine and adjacent structures using the ultrasound (FAPESP n. 2014/13893-6: "Appicability of musculoskeletal ultrasonography in the thoracolumbar and lumbar region of spine in healthy dogs"), this study aims to investigate the applicability of the ultrasonographic technique for musculoskeletal structures from the thoracolumbar and lumbar spine of symptomatic dogs. Methods involve epaxial muscle thickness and CSA measurements in order to estimate atrophy level and descriptive analysis of lesions. After comparative studies between radiology and ultrasonography, we expected the ultrasound to be a viable method for the detection of musculoskeletal alterations in dogs. Furthermore, both methods will be evaluated in terms of pros and cons, according to the different type of lesion. The diagnostic role of musculoskeletal ultrasonography will be established. (AU)