IMAGING DOGS WITH SUSPECTED DISC HERNIATION: PROS AND CONS OF MYELOGRAPHY, COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY, AND MAGNETIC RESONANCE

Myelography, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging are the diagnostic modalities currently used in the evaluation of dogs with suspected disc herniation. Where high-field MR imaging is available, it is considered the optimal modality for any myelopathy in dogs, including those with disc disease. CT myelography may be the next best option, particularly in nonchondrodystrophoid dogs. In chondrodystrophoid dogs, in which extrusion of mineralized disc material is common, plain CT will enable diagnosis in most cases. Myelography is still considered adequate for diagnosis of disc herniation when MR and CT are unavailable.