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MR IMAGING FINDINGS IN A DOG WITH LUMBAR GANGLION CYSTS
Author(s) -
Webb Aubrey A.,
Pharr John W.,
Lew Linda J.,
Tryon Kimberly A.
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
veterinary radiology and ultrasound
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.541
H-Index - 60
eISSN - 1740-8261
pISSN - 1058-8183
DOI - 10.1111/j.1740-8261.2001.tb00897.x
Subject(s) - medicine , magnetic resonance imaging , sacrum , histopathology , radiography , vertebra , syringomyelia , radiology , lumbar , anatomy , pathology
Intraspinal cysts of the L6‐L7 and L7‐S1 articular process joints in a six‐year‐old neutered female German Shepherd Dog were diagnosed using magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Histopathology provided a diagnosis of ganglion cysts. Clinical, laboratory, radiographic and MR imaging findings are described. Briefly, radiographic findings revealed lumbarization of the first sacral vertebra, and fusion of the first caudal vertebra to the sacrum. In addition, spondylosis and articular process osteoarthrosis occurred at L6‐L7 and L7‐S1. MR imaging revealed multiple, well encapsulated structures ranging in size from 3–10 mm in diameter which were found to arise from the L6‐L7 and L7‐S1 articular process joints. These cysts had signal intensities that varied from hyperintense to the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) on T1 weighted images to isointense to CSF on T2 weighted images. Decompressive surgery in conjunction with arthrodesis of these joints resulted in resolution of clinical signs. The dog remained pain‐free 1½ years following surgical therapy.