Suspected Radiation-Induced Osteosarcoma in a Domestic Shorthair Cat.

A 3-year-old, male neutered domestic shorthair cat, presented for acute onset tail paresis. He was diagnosed with a spindle cell tumour at the level of L7-CD1 and treated with course fractionation radiation therapy. Three years following radiation therapy, the cat developed chondroblastic osteosarcoma of the pelvis, suspected to be secondary to radiation therapy. Hemipelvectomy was performed and the cat was treated with radiation therapy for remaining gross disease. The cat was euthanized 127 days post-operatively due to suspected metastatic disease. Development of radiation-induced tumours should be considered as a rare late complication in cats undergoing radiation therapy.

Magnetic resonance imaging muscle lesions in presumptive canine fibrocartilaginous embolic myelopathy.

This retrospective cohort study reports the observation of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) epaxial muscle hyperintensity in dogs diagnosed with presumptive fibrocartilaginous embolic myelopathy (FCEM) (n = 61). It further reports the observation of vertebral column hyperesthesia lasting > 12 hours. The hypothesis tested was that the finding of MRI epaxial muscle hyperintensity correlated with dogs presenting with hyperesthesia. Client-owned dogs diagnosed with presumptive FCEM by specific MRI criteria were included. Statistical analysis was performed using Fisher's exact test. Twenty-three percent (14/61) of MRIs displayed abnormal muscle hyperintensity and 43% (26/61) exhibited vertebral column hyperesthesia. No relationship was found between muscle hyperintensity and pain persisting beyond 12 hours. The muscle hyperintensity remains of unknown significance. That 43% of presumptive FCEM cases have prolonged signs of pain is a higher prevalence than previously reported, and may affect clinical differential diagnoses. This is especially significant in cases in which MRI is not possible and a presumptive diagnosis must be based on the clinical signs.

Imagerie par résonance magnétique des lésions des muscles dans la myélopathie embolique fibrocartilagineuse canine présumée. Cette étude rétrospective de cohorte signale les observations de l'imagerie par résonance magnétique (IRM) pour l'hyperintensité du muscle épaxial chez les chiens diagnostiqués avec une myélopathie embolique fibrocartilagineuse (MEFC) présumée (n = 61). Elle signale aussi l'observation de l'hyperesthésie de la colonne vertébrale durant > 12 heures. L'hypothèse qui a été testée était qu'il y avait une corrélation entre l'observation de l'hyperintensité du muscle épaxial par IRM et les chiens présentés avec de l'hyperesthésie. Les chiens appartenant à des clients pour lesquels un diagnostic présomptif de MEFC avait été posé à l'aide du critère spécifique de l'IRM ont été inclus. L'analyse statistique a été réalisée en utilisant le test exact de Fisher. Vingt-trois pour cent (14/61) des IRM affichaient une hyperintensité anormale du muscle et 43 % (26/61) présentaient de l'hypersthésie de la colonne vertébrale. Aucun lien n'a été trouvé entre l'hyperintensité musculaire et la douleur persistant au-delà de 12 heures. La signification de l'hyperintensité musculaire est toujours inconnue. Le taux de 43 % de cas présomptifs de MEFC affichant des signes de douleur prolongée représente une prévalence supérieure aux données déjà signalées et pourrait affecter les diagnostics cliniques différentiels. Ce fait revêt une importance particulière lorsque l'IRM n'est pas possible et qu'un diagnostic présomptif doit se baser sur les signes cliniques.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Comparison of bronchoscopic and nonbronchoscopic bronchoalveolar lavage in healthy cats.

OBJECTIVE To compare bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) accomplished by use of a bronchoscopic (B-BAL) and a nonbronchoscopic (NB-BAL) technique in healthy cats. ANIMALS 12 healthy cats. PROCEDURES Two BALs were performed in a randomized order 2 weeks apart in each cat. Cats were anesthetized, and a 2.9-mm fiberoptic bronchoscope (B-BAL) or 8F red rubber catheter (NB-BAL) was wedged in a bronchus. Two 5-mL aliquots of saline (0.9% NaCl) solution were infused into the left and right caudal lung fields and aspirated manually with a 20-mL syringe. Proportion of BAL fluid (BALF) retrieved, depth of wedging, and anesthetic complications were recorded. Total nucleated cell count, differential cell count, and semiquantitative scores of cytologic slide quality were determined for all BALF samples. Results were compared with ANOVAs and Wilcoxon signed rank tests. RESULTS Proportion of retrieved BALF and depth of wedging were significantly greater for B-BAL than NB-BAL. Differential cell counts and cytologic slide quality did not differ significantly between techniques. Complications included transient hemoglobin desaturation (24/24 [100%] BALs) and prolonged anesthetic recovery time (4/24 [17%] BALs). Anesthetic recovery scores did not differ significantly between techniques. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results indicated that NB-BAL was noninferior to B-BAL with regard to ease of performance, anesthetic variables, and cytologic slide quality for cats without clinical respiratory tract disease.

Dual-energy computed tomography of canine uroliths.

OBJECTIVE To determine whether dual-energy CT (DECT) could accurately differentiate the composition of common canine uroliths in a phantom model. SAMPLE 30 canine uroliths with pure compositions. PROCEDURES Each urolith was composed of ≥ 70% struvite (n = 10), urate (8), cystine (5), calcium oxalate (4), or brushite (3) as determined by standard laboratory methods performed at the Canadian Veterinary Urolith Centre. Uroliths were suspended in an agar phantom, and DECT was performed at low (80 kV) and high (140 kV) energies. The ability of low- and high-energy CT numbers, DECT number, and DECT ratio to distinguish uroliths on the basis of composition was assessed with multivariate ANOVA. RESULTS No single DECT measure differentiated all urolith types. The DECT ratio differentiated urate uroliths from all other types of uroliths. The DECT and low-energy CT numbers were able to differentiate between 8 and 7 pairs of urolith types, respectively. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results indicated that DECT was unable to differentiate common types of canine uroliths in an in vitro model; therefore, it is unlikely to be clinically useful for determining urolith composition in vivo. Given that the primary reasons for determining urolith composition in vivo are to predict response to shock wave lithotripsy and develop a treatment plan, future research should focus on the correlation between DECT measurements and urolith fragility rather than urolith composition.

Effects of repeated use and resterilization on structural and functional integrity of microwave ablation antennas.

OBJECTIVE To determine effects of repeated use and resterilization on structural and functional integrity of microwave ablation (MWA) antennas. SAMPLE 17 cooled-shaft MWA antennas (3 groups of 5 antennas/group and 2 control antennas). PROCEDURES 1, 2, and 3 ablations in the livers of bovine cadavers were performed at the maximum recommended settings. Antennas were cleaned and sterilized in hydrogen peroxide plasma, and the process was repeated (reprocessing cycle; n = 6). Control antennas were only sterilized (6 times). Aerobic and anaerobic bacterial cultures were performed, and antennas were microscopically assessed for damage. RESULTS 6 cycles were completed. Thirteen of 15 MWA antennas remained functional for up to 4 cycles, 10 were functional after 5 cycles, and only 7 were functional after 6 cycles. Progressive tearing of the silicone coating of the antennas was observed, with a negative effect of the number of cycles for silicone tearing. Size of the ablation zone decreased mildly over time after cycles 5 and 6; however, this was not considered clinically relevant. No significant changes in the shape of ablation zones were detected. All cultures yielded negative results, except for an isolated case, which was considered a contaminant. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Structural and functional integrity of the microwave antennas remained acceptable during repeated use and reprocessing for up to 4 cycles. However, there was a decrease in functional integrity at cycles 5 and 6. We suggest that these microwave antennas be subjected to > 3 reprocessing cycles. Antennas should be carefully examined before reuse.

The magnitude of muscular activation of four canine forelimb muscles in dogs performing two agility-specific tasks.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to measure the muscular activation in four forelimb muscles while dogs performed agility tasks (i.e., jumping and A-frame) and to provide insight into potential relationships between level of muscular activation and risk of injury. Muscle activation in eight healthy, client-owned agility dogs was measured using ultrasound-guided fine-wire electromyography of four specific forelimb muscles: Biceps Brachii, Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus, and Triceps Brachii - Long Head, while dogs performed a two jump sequence and while dogs ascended and descended an A-frame obstacle at two different competition heights. RESULTS: The peak muscle activations during these agility tasks were between 1.7 and 10.6 fold greater than walking. Jumping required higher levels of muscle activation compared to ascending and descending an A-frame, for all muscles of interest. There was no significant difference in muscle activation between the two A-frame heights. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to walking, all of the muscles were activated at high levels during the agility tasks and our findings indicate that jumping is an especially demanding activity for dogs in agility. This information is broadly relevant to understanding the pathophysiology of forelimb injuries related to canine athletic activity.

MRI-based relationships between spine pathology, intervertebral disc degeneration, and muscle fatty infiltration in chondrodystrophic and non-chondrodystrophic dogs.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Human studies have revealed a link between muscle degeneration and low back pain, although the cause and effect of this relationship is not clear. Dogs provide a naturally developing model of intervertebral disc (IVD)-related low back pain that may provide insight into relationships between IVD and muscle degeneration. PURPOSE: This study aimed to quantify, via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the magnitude and location of fatty infiltration in spine muscles of chondrodystrophic (CD) and non-chondrodystrophic (NCD) dogs suffering from both intervertebral disc herniation (IVDH) and non-disc-related spinal disorders, and relate this to intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). STUDY DESIGN: This study used retrospective MRI-based analysis of IVDD and muscle fatty infiltration in CD and NCD dogs. METHODS: A portion of this study was funded ($1,000) by the Pet Trust Fund, Ontario Veterinary College. Magnetic resonance imaging from 180 dogs were separated into four groups: (1) CD with IVDH; (2) CD with non-IVDH spinal pathology; (3) NCD with IVDH; (4) NCD with non-IVDH spinal pathology. For each dog at intervertebral levels T12-T13 to L6-L7, IVDD was subjectively graded and muscle-fat indices (MFIndices) were quantified for multifidus, erector spinae, and psoas muscle groups. RESULTS: Intervertebral disc degeneration grade was higher (p<.0001) for CD compared with NCD dogs, and for dogs diagnosed with IVDH compared with dogs with non-IVDH pathology. Muscle-fat indices of multifidus and psoas were higher (p<.01), indicating greater fatty infiltration, for NCD compared with CD dogs, and for dogs with non-IVDH pathology compared with dogs with IVDH. Erector spinae demonstrated higher (p<.0001) MFIndices compared with multifidus and psoas; however, this level of fatty infiltration was not dependent upon breed or pathology. CONCLUSIONS: Dog groups with higher average IVDD grades demonstrated less fatty infiltration within their multifidus and psoas muscles, compared with groups with lower IVDD grades. This finding was consistent across both CD and NCD breeds as well as across dogs presenting with IVDH and those presenting with a non-IVDH spinal pathology. Thus, the presence or severity of IVDD is not uniquely related to fatty infiltration in these muscles, but rather the presence, or possibly severity or chronicity, of general spine pathology is likely a better predictor of fatty infiltration.

Evaluation of hepatic contrast enhancement with a hepatocyte-specific magnetic resonance imaging contrast agent (gadoxetic acid) in healthy dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To determine, by means of MRI, the time to maximal contrast enhancement in T1-weighted images following IV administration of gadoxetic acid in healthy dogs and assess the impact of gadoxetic acid on the signal intensity of T2-weighted images. ANIMALS: 7 healthy dogs. PROCEDURES: No hepatic abnormalities were detected during ultrasonographic examination. Each dog was anesthetized and positioned in dorsal recumbency for MRI. Transverse T1- and T2-weighted images of the liver were acquired prior to and following (at 5-minute intervals) IV injection of 0.1 mL of gadoxetic acid/kg. Signal intensity of the liver parenchyma was measured in 3 regions of interest in the T1- and T2-weighted images before and at various times point after contrast agent administration. Time versus signal-to-noise ratio curves were plotted to determine time to maximal contrast enhancement and contrast agent-related changes in signal intensity in T2-weighted images. RESULTS: Analysis of T1-weighted images revealed that mean ± SD time to maximal enhancement after gadoxetic acid injection was 10.5 ± 3.99 minutes. Signal intensity of T2-weighted images was not significantly affected by gadoxetic acid administration. No injection-related adverse effects were observed in any dog. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results indicated that gadoxetic acid can be used for hepatic MRI in healthy dogs and the resultant hepatic enhancement patterns are similar to those described for humans. Maximal contrast enhancement occurred between 10 and 15 minutes after contrast agent injection; thus, T2-weighted images may be obtained in the interval between injection and maximal enhancement for a more time-efficient clinical protocol.

Systemic absorption and adverse ocular and systemic effects after topical ophthalmic administration of 0.1% diclofenac to healthy cats.

OBJECTIVE: To quantify plasma concentrations and determine adverse ocular, renal, or hepatic effects associated with repeated topical ophthalmic application of 0.1% diclofenac to healthy cats. ANIMALS: 8 healthy sexually intact male cats. PROCEDURES: A randomized, placebo-controlled crossover study was conducted. A topical formulation of 0.1% diclofenac was administered 4 times/d for 7 days to 4 cats, and artificial tear (control) solution was administered to the other 4 cats. After a 12-day washout period, cats received the other treatment. Ophthalmic examinations were performed daily. Plasma samples were obtained on days 1 and 7 for pharmacokinetic analysis. A CBC, serum biochemical analysis, urinalysis, determination of urine protein-to-creatinine ratio, and determination of glomerular filtration rate were performed before the start of the study and after each 7-day treatment period. RESULTS: Mild conjunctival hyperemia was the only adverse ocular effect detected. Maximal drug concentration and area under the curve were significantly higher on day 7 than on day 1. Diclofenac-treated cats had a significantly lower glomerular filtration rate than did control-treated cats after the second but not after the first treatment period, presumably associated with iatrogenic hypovolemia. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Topical ophthalmic administration of 0.1% diclofenac was well tolerated in healthy cats, with only mild signs of ocular irritation. Detectable systemic concentrations of diclofenac were achieved with accumulation over 7 days. Systemic absorption of diclofenac may be associated with reduced glomerular filtration rate, particularly in volume-contracted animals. Topical ophthalmic 0.1% diclofenac should be used with caution in volume-contracted or systemically ill cats.

Spontaneous thoracolumbar hematomyelia secondary to hemophilia B in a cat.

CASE SUMMARY: A 10-year-old neutered male domestic shorthair cat presented for evaluation of acute onset of paraplegia with loss of nociception and thoracolumbar spine hyperesthesia and no history of trauma. Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) was markedly prolonged, and specific coagulation factor testing revealed a factor IX level of 4% of normal activity, confirming the presence of mild hemophilia B. Prior abnormal bleeding had occurred at the time of castration as a kitten, as well as with laceration to a toe. Advanced imaging, including computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the thoracolumbar spine, confirmed the presence of multifocal intradural and intramedullary spinal cord hemorrhage through demonstration of focal ring enhancement on CT and multifocal areas of signal void on gradient echo T2* images on MRI. Despite factor IX supplementation through the use of fresh frozen plasma transfusions and normalization of the aPTT time, the cat's neurological status did not improve. Owing to repeated urinary tract infections, with increasing resistance to antibiotic therapy, the cat was ultimately euthanized. Post-mortem examination showed no evidence of another underlying primary pathology for the hematomyelia. RELEVANCE AND NOVEL INFORMATION: To our knowledge, this case demonstrates the first reported occurrence of spontaneous hematomyelia secondary to hemophilia B in a cat.

Vaginal impedometry for detection of optimal breeding time in bitches.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of canine vaginal impedometry in identifying the preovulatory luteinizing hormone (LH) peak to that of currently used methods (serum progesterone concentration measurement, vaginal cytologic evaluation, and vaginoscopy). DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: 12 sexually intact female dogs. PROCEDURES: 12 mature postpubertal Beagle (n = 3), Beagle-cross (2), and hound-cross (7) bitches ranging from 7.5 to 27.5 kg (16.5 to 60.6 lb) were enrolled in the study. After the onset of spontaneous proestrus, determined on the basis of appearance of serosanguineous vaginal discharge, serum progesterone assays, vaginoscopy, vaginal cytologic evaluation, and vaginal impedometry were performed daily until approximately 4 days after peak LH concentration (day 0) as measured by radioimmunoassay. Vaginal impedometry was compared against serum progesterone concentration measurement, vaginal cytologic evaluation, and vaginoscopy as a method for accurately identifying the LH peak and therefore the optimal breeding time. Ten of 12 bitches were bred with subsequent assessment of embryos. RESULTS: Vaginal impedometry accurately predicted the preovulatory LH peak in 5 of 11 bitches. One bitch was removed from the study because data were not collected. Of the remaining 11 bitches, 6 had their LH peak on the day serum progesterone concentration first exceeded 2 ng/mL. Crenulation scores reached 1 (mean, 1.3; 95% confidence interval, 0.8 to 1.7) on day 0 as expected; however, these scores were not significantly different from those on days -1 or 1. Vaginal epithelial cell populations did not change noticeably on day 0. Nine of the 10 bitches that were bred produced viable embryos. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggested that daily use of vaginal impedometry in bitches was unreliable as a method for monitoring periovulatory events. All techniques evaluated (ie vaginal impedometry, serum progesterone concentration assays, vaginoscopy and vaginal cytologic evaluation) frequently produced inaccurate results when used individually. Multiple methods should be used to identify optimal breeding time in dogs.

Evaluation of ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide contrast agent labeling of equine cord blood and bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and effects of labeling equine umbilical cord blood (UCB)- and bone marrow (BM)-derived multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) with an ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) contrast agent and the detection of labeled MSCs by use of MRI. SAMPLE: UCB MSCs from placental tissues of 5 foals and BM MSCs from 5 horses. PROCEDURES: UCB and BM MSC cultures were seeded in duplicate (5,000 cells/cm(2)). One duplicate was incubated with SPIO (50 µg/mL); the other was processed identically, but without SPIO. Mesenchymal stromal cells were expanded in triplicates for 5 passages and assessed for viability and proliferative capacity, labeling efficacy, and labeled cell proportion. For MRI detection, 5 × 10(6) labeled BM MSCs from passage 1 or 2 were injected into a collagenase-induced superficial digital flexor tendon defect of an equine cadaveric forelimb from 2 horses. RESULTS: For passages 1, 2, and 3, labeling efficacy and cell proportion for UCB MSCs (99.6% [range, 98.8% to 99.9%], 16.6% [range, 6.5% to 36.1%], and 1.0% [range, 0.4% to 2.8%], respectively) were significantly higher than for BM MSCs (99.2% [range, 97.8% to 99.7%], 4.5% [range, 1.6% to 11.8%], and 0.2% [range, 0.1% to 0.6%], respectively). Labeling was not detectable after passage 3. Viability of MSCs was not affected, but cell doubling time increased in labeled MSCs, compared with that of unlabeled MSCs. On MRI 3-D T2*-weighted fast gradient echo sequences, decreased signal intensity was observed for BM passage 1 MSCs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Equine UCB and BM MSCs were labeled with SPIO at high efficiencies.

Paragonimosis in a cat and the temporal progression of pulmonary radiographic lesions following treatment.

A 16 mo old cat presented with a 5 mo history of dyspnea, coughing, and gagging. Radiographic findings revealed seven nodules measuring 1-3 cm distributed multifocally in the lungs. Examination of feces revealed large numbers of eggs of Paragonimus kellicotti. Two fenbendazole treatment regimens (28 mg/kg per os q 12 hr for 21 days) and prednisone were required to eliminate the infection. Resolution of pulmonary nodules was monitored for 8 mo following successful treatment, and four lesions were still partially visible at 8 mo.

An evaluation of B-mode and color Doppler ultrasonography for detecting periovulatory events in the bitch.

When determining optimal breeding time in the bitch, specific periovulatory events must be identified. The main objectives were to relate ultrasonographic changes in ovarian blood flow, follicle/corpora lutea count and echotexture to periovulatory events, and to assess the efficacy of each for identifying these events. Twelve Beagle (N = 3), Beagle-cross (N = 2) and hound-cross (N = 7) bitches (body weight range, 7.5-27.5 kg) were examined daily from the onset of proestrus to approximately 4 days post-LH peak. Follicle and corpora lutea count and echotexture analyses were performed using B-mode ultrasound and ovarian blood flow analysis was performed using color Doppler ultrasound. Serum LH concentrations were analyzed by validated RIA. There was an increase (P < 0.05) in ovarian blood flow from the day of the preovulatory LH peak (605 pixels; confidence interval, 397-856), to 1 day after this peak (1092 pixels; confidence interval, 724-1535), enabling detection of the preovulatory LH peak. There were no significant changes in follicle/corpora lutea echotexture relative to days from the preovulatory LH peak. There were significant decreases in follicle/corpora lutea number between Days -1 and 3; Days -1 and 4; and Days 0 and 3, relative to the preovulatory LH peak. We concluded that color Doppler ultrasound performed once daily was more accurate in identifying the preovulatory LH peak than B-mode ultrasound and enabled prospective determination of ovulation.

Ultrasonographic and laboratory screening in clinically normal mature golden retriever dogs.

Wellness and pre-anesthetic screening of blood and urine of geriatric companion animals are routinely recommended. In addition, there are occasional references to the use of imaging in clinically normal geriatric patients. However, the utility of wellness testing is not known, and there is limited information regarding the value of pre-anesthetic testing. Wellness testing, including complete blood cell count, biochemical profile, urinalysis, and abdominal ultrasound, was performed on 53 clinically normal, mature golden retriever dogs. Laboratory analysis revealed abnormalities in 54.7% (29/53) of the dogs. Abdominal ultrasound screening demonstrated abnormalities in 64.2% (34/53) of the dogs. As only a small number of dogs had follow-up diagnostic testing available, the significance of these abnormalities is unknown. Further study involving a larger cohort of animals and analysis of follow-up data is necessary to determine the utility of laboratory and imaging studies in clinically normal geriatric patients.

Accuracy, intermethod agreement, and inter-reviewer agreement for use of magnetic resonance imaging and myelography in small-breed dogs with naturally occurring first-time intervertebral disk extrusion.

OBJECTIVE: To determine accuracy, intermethod agreement, and inter-reviewer agreement for multisequence magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and 2-view orthogonal myelography in small-breed dogs with first-time intervertebral disk (IVD) extrusion. DESIGN: Prospective evaluation study. ANIMALS: 24 dogs with thoracolumbar IVD extrusion. PROCEDURES: Each dog underwent MRI and myelography. Images obtained with each modality were independently evaluated and assigned standardized scores in a blinded manner by 3 reviewers. Results were compared with surgical findings. Inter-reviewer and intermethod agreements were assessed via κ statistics. Accuracy was assessed as the percentage of dogs for which ≥ 2 of 3 reviewers recorded findings identical to those determined surgically. RESULTS: Inter-reviewer agreement was substantial for site (κ = 0.70) and side of IVD extrusion (κ = 0.62) in T2-weighted magnetic resonance images and was substantial for site (κ = 0.72) and fair for side of extrusion (κ = 0.37) in myelographic images. Agreement for site between each modality and surgical findings was near perfect (κ = 0.94 and 0.88 for MRI and myelography, respectively). Intermethod agreement was substantial for site (κ = 0.71) and moderate for side of extrusion (κ = 0.40). Accuracy of MRI for site and side was 100% when results for T1-weighted, T2-weighted, and contrast-enhanced T1-weighted sequences were combined. Accuracy of myelography was 90.9% and 54.5% for site and side, respectively. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Agreement between imaging results and surgical findings for identification of IVD extrusion sites in small-breed dogs was similar for MRI and myelography. However, MRI appeared to be more accurate than myelography and allowed evaluation of extradural compressive mass composition.

The use of magnetic resonance imaging in evaluating horses with spinal ataxia.

To determine the accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging for diagnosing cervical stenotic myelopathy in horses, 39 horses with spinal ataxia and 20 control horses underwent clinical and neurologic examinations, cervical radiographs, euthanasia, magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the cervical spine and necropsy. Twenty-four horses were diagnosed with cervical stenotic myelopathy, 5 with cervical vertebral stenosis, 7 with idiopathic ataxia, 3 horses had other causes of ataxia, and 20 were controls. The MR images were assessed for spinal cord intensity changes, presence of spinal cord compression, spinal cord compression direction, shape of spinal cord, and the presence of synovial cysts, joint mice, and degenerative joint disease. The height, width, and area of the spinal cord, dural tube and vertebral canal were measured. The identification of spinal cord compression on MR images was significantly different in horses with cervical stenotic myelopathy (P < 0.02), but in the cervical stenotic myelopathy group the identification of spinal cord compression on MR images had poor to slight agreement with histopathologic evidence of compression (κ = 0.05). Horses with cervical stenotic myelopathy were more likely to have a T2 hyperintensity in the spinal cord (P < 0.05). Horses with cervical stenotic myelopathy or cervical vertebral stenosis were more likely to have degenerative joint disease than control horses or horses with other or idiopathic ataxia.