Accuracy of localization of cervical intervertebral disk extrusion or protrusion using survey radiography in dogs.

Sixty-four dogs with histories and clinical signs consistent with cervical intervertebral disk disease were presented for evaluation. Survey spinal radiographs were obtained, followed by myelography. In 61% of the survey radiographs, evaluators identified sites of disk extrusion or protrusion based on radiographic findings. Of those radiographs where a site was identified, ability to accurately identify the correct site of disk extrusion ranged from 53% to 67%, with an average of 58%. Therefore, the overall accuracy rate for correct identification of the site(s) of disk extrusion for all survey radiographs was 35%. Twelve cases had more than one site of disk extrusion or protrusion evident myelographically. In cases where multiple sites of extrusion were confirmed myelographically, the ability to localize at least one of the sites on the corresponding survey radiographs ranged from 63% to 80%, with an average of 70%. The major site of disk extrusion or protrusion was incorrectly identified in 16% to 31% of the survey radiographs, with an average of 26%. The use of survey radiographs alone is an inaccurate means for localization of cervical intervertebral disk extrusion or protrusion.

A comparison of intrarectal Doppler and rectal abdominal palpation for pregnancy testing in goats.

Two methods of pregnancy diagnosis--rectal abdominal palpation and the intrarectal Doppler technique--were compared for accuracy in the female goat (does). Three veterinarians were given a short period of instruction as to the use of these methods, after which 38 does were evaluated by both methods by each veterinarian. The percentage of correct determination for pregnant does ranged from 94% to 100% for examiners using the intrarectal Doppler technique and from 94% to 97% for the rectal abdominal palpation. The percentage of correct determinations for nonpregnant does ranged from 25% to 75% for intrarectal Doppler technique and was 75% for rectal abdominal palpation; however, the number of nonpregnant does was small and did not allow a valid conclusion. The results indicated that both methods are reasonably accurate for pregnancy diagnosis in does at 55 days or more after breeding and can be learned with only brief training. However, rectal abdominal palpation appears to be more hazardous with respect to rectal injury and abortion and, therefore, would not be the preferred method.

Clinical evaluation of metrizamide as a myelographic agent in the dog.

Metrizamide, a new, water-soluble contrast agent, was clinically evaluated as a myelographic agent in 17 dogs. Nine dogs were given lumbar subarachnoid injections and six were given cisternal injections. Two dogs were given cisternal and lumbar injections; in one dog, both injections were given on the same day. The dosage ranged from 0.3 to 0.57 ml/kg of body weight, using an isotonic solution of metrizamide. Of eight dogs given cisternal injections, two experienced convulsive activity requiring diazepam treatment during the anesthetic recovery period. The lumbar injections did not cause convulsions. Satisfactory radiographic density persisted up to 45 minutes after injection, allowing time for several views to be obtained. In general, metrizamide appeared to be an adequate myelographic agent in the dog.

Effects of intramedullary injection of methiodal and lidocaine on spinal cords of dogs.

A solution of methiodal sodium (20%) and lidocaine HCl (0.20%) was given by intramedullary injection into the lumbar spinal cords of 12 anesthetized dogs (group I). Two control groups of 12 dogs each were subjected to needle placement only or were given 5% dextrose. The results showed that both solutions given by intramedullary injection caused severe spinal cord malacia and cavitation in 2 group I dogs and in 1 group III dog.