Magnetic resonance imaging and neurological findings in dogs with disc‐associated cervical spondylomyelopathy: a case series

Abstract Background Canine cervical spondylomyelopathy can be separated into osseous and disc-associated (DA-CSM) forms. Our aim was to describe the magnetic resonance imaging (using a high-field scanner) neurological findings in dogs with DA-CSM investigate relationship between these findings. Results Sixty-three were included: 60/63 (95 %) large breeds, Doberman Pinschers males over-represented (70 %). Mean median age at time of diagnosis 7.25 7.2 years (range 0.41–12 years). Chronic signs noted 52/63 (83 dogs, proprioceptive ataxia most common. Main site spinal cord compression commonly C6-7 or C5-6. Thirty-six (57 had various sites compression. Most younger than 6 single affected site. Foraminal stenosis present 51/63 (81 T2-weighted hyperintensity 40/63 (63 88 % articular processes showed degenerative changes, which correlated strongly intervertebral disc degeneration. Ligamentum flavum hypertrophy seen 38 dogs. No correlation observed neurologic number sites. A moderate positive severity grade ( r 0.48; p < 0.001). Conclusions predominantly older, male Dobermans, lesions located caudal vertebral region. It also 3 even (8 Single compressive more common age. Many concomitant changes (e.g.: ligamentum foraminal stenosis). older. grade, but multilevel not associated severe signs. very high percentage process changes. Possible biomechanical genetic relationships processes, flavum, discs warrants further investigation.