Clinical and imaging findings in dogs with nerve root signature associated with cervical intervertebral disc herniation

• DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16982
• Publication Date: 2024-01-13T03:39:12Z
• Authors: Jordan Schachar; Alan Bocage; Nathan C. Nelson; Peter J. Early; Christopher L. Ma...; Natasha J. Olby; Karen R. Muñana
• Keywords: Intervertebral foramen; Disc protrusion; Intervertebral Disc; Cervical Nerve; Spinal cord compression; Foramen; Nerve sheath tumor; Disc herniation

Abstract Background Intervertebral disc herniation (IVDH) is the most common spinal cord disease in dogs. Little information available regarding clinical presentation of nerve root signature (NRS) associated with cervical IVDH. Hypothesis/Objective To detail and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings dogs NRS Animals Forty‐seven client‐owned presenting thoracic limb MRI confirmed Methods Medical records from 2010 to 2020 were retrospectively reviewed for that met inclusion criteria. Imaging studies evaluated by 2 individuals characterize location severity neural tissue compression. Results Chondrodystrophoid comprised majority study cohort, dachshund breed (n = 10). Three‐quarters ≥7 years age. Interobserver agreement was moderate or good all variables evaluated. The C6‐C7 intervertebral space significantly overrepresented ( P .01), comprising 32% (15/47) affected discs. However, 42% (20/47) cases involved C2‐C3 though C4‐C5 sites. Disc material more frequently located laterally compared medially within vertebral canal .0005), be compression at level foramen .012). Conclusion/Clinical Importance commonly lateralized foraminal herniations. It prevalent involvement, suggesting there might unique anatomic factors contribute development this site, but can a manifestation IVDH occurring anywhere along spine.