RADIOGRAPHIC AND MYELOGRAPHIC EXAMINATION OF THE CERVICAL VERTEBRAL COLUMN IN 306 ATAXIC HORSES |
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Authors: | Marc Papageorges DMV MSc Patrick R Gavin DVM PhD Ronald D Sande DVM PhD David D Barbee DVM MS Barrie D Grant DVM MS |
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Institution: | department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Washington State University, Pullman. |
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Abstract: | This study consists of a review of 306 ataxic horses subjected to survey radiography and myelography of the cervical vertebral column. Fifty-eight percent of horses had evidence of compressive spinal cord lesion on myelography. Sixty-six percent of horses were less than 3 years old. Age had no effect on the distribution of spinal cord compressive lesions. No conclusion could be drawn from sex and breed distribution. The most common sites of cord compression on myelography in order of decreasing frequency were C3–4, C6–7, C5–6, and C4–5. Twenty-nine percent of horses with myelographic evidence of cord compression had multiple compressive sites. Survey radiographs were not reliable to diagnose compressive spinal cord lesions. Myelography was a safe and more accurate procedure. Several factors may result in misinterpretation of the myelographic examination. |
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Keywords: | radiography myelography cervical vertebral column equine ataxia |
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