KINEMATIC MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING FOR EVALUATION OF DISC-ASSOCIATED CERVICAL SPONDYLOMYELOPATHY IN DOBERMAN PINSCHERS

摘要

Disc-associated cervical spondylomyelopathy (DA-CSM) is a common condition in Doberman Pinschers (DPs) that is similar in pathogenesis to cervical spondylotic myelopathy in humans (hCSM). In patients with hCSM, kinematic MRI (kMRI) is used to evaluatethe cervical vertebral column in flexion and extension. The purpose of this study was to evaluate kMRI in DPs with DA-CSM using a novel positioning device that allowed controlled flexion and extension of the cervical vertebral column. We hypothesized that kMRI would cause worsening of compressive lesions and the development of new compressions, especially in extension.