Document Type : Original Articles
Authors
1
Department of Surgery and Radiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
2
Department of Food Hygiene and Quality Control, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
3
Graduated from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Background: Intervertebral disc disease is a frequent cause of neurological problems in dogs. While there are several imaging options to diagnose disc issues, including X-rays and CT scans, access to CT imaging can be limited and costly. This study was undertaken to figure out how well X-rays perform compared to CT scans in detecting disc diseases and related complications. Meanwhile purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential use of X-ray as a substitute to CT scan for evaluation of intervertebral disc disease in dogs.
Objective: Intervertebral discs play a crucial role in maintaining the stability of the spinal column. Diseases related to these discs encompass a range of injuries and degenerative changes. Various imaging methods can be utilized in the diagnostic process of these complications. The present study aimed to investigate the accuracy and sensitivity of radiography and CT Scans in diagnosing intervertebral disc complications and to compare them in diagnosis of Intervertebral disc disease.
Methods: In this study, the records of 61 dogs with intervertebral disc diseases which had undergone radiography and CT Scans of their spinal columns, were included. Samples were selected randomly, without considering age, breed and weight. In these cases, the two imaging methods were compared in criterion such as decreased intervertebral disc space, disc calcification, spondylosis, disco spondylitis, fracture, and luxation
Results: the sensitivity and accuracy of CT Scans were higher than those of radiography in diagnosing intervertebral disc complications. However, radiography performed well in identifying criterion such as decreased intervertebral disc space, disc calcification, and spondylosis, whereas CT Scans showed higher accuracy in diagnosing disc herniation, extrusion, and protrusion.
Conclusion: Radiography is an accessible, rapid, and economical method for initial screening of intervertebral disc complications. Although both methods are applicable in cases such as calcification, fracture, spondylosis, and luxation, the greater accuracy and sensitivity of CT Scans and their ability to produce a 3-dimensional image and display details make it a more suitable option for definitive diagnosis, particularly in cases suspected of extrusion and protrusion of disc material.
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