Evaluation of the applicability of musculoskeletal ultrasound of the thoracolumbar and lumbar spine of healthy dogs

Changes in the spine of dogs are usually found in clinical and surgical practices. There are few studies on musculoskeletal ultrasound anatomy of thoracolumbar and lumbar segments of the normal spine of dogs. The aim of this study was to compare normal musculoskeletal ultrasound anatomy of the vertebral segments evaluated with images obtained by magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography and anatomical parts in order to establish its ability to identify structures. The ultrasound scan allowed visualization of the muscles of the region, articular processes, spinous process, interspinous ligament and yellow ligament in the lumbosacral window. Computed tomography provide images with better bone details when compared to ultrasound examination. Low field magnetic resonance imaging allowed the identification of the same structures as the ultrasound examination plus the identification of cerebrospinal fluid, transverse processes and better detail of the intervertebral discs and spinal cord. Knowledge of ultrasound anatomy of the region may lead to detection of muscle and ligament injuries. It is emphasized that in areas where CT and MRI are not accessible, ultrasonography of the region can be a good alternative to identify possible alterations not visualized by radiographic examination or supplement it. (AU)