Using geographical information system for spatial evaluation of canine extruded disc herniation

Geospat Health. 2014 Nov;9(1):213-20. doi: 10.4081/gh.2014.18.

Abstract

Disc herniation is one of the most common pathologies of the vertebral column in dogs. The aim of this study was to develop a geographical information system (GIS)-based vertebral canal (VC) map useful for spatial evaluation of extruded disc herniation (EDH) in dogs. ArcGIS® was used to create two-dimensional and three-dimensional maps, in which the VC surface is divided into polygons by lines representing latitude and longitude. Actual locations and directions of the herniated disc material were assessed by a series of 142 computer tomographies of dogs collected between 2005 and 2013. Most EDHs were located on the cervical and transitional regions (thoraco-lumbar and lumbo-sacral) and shown at the level of the ventro- cranial and ventro-central polygons created. Choropleth maps, highlighting the distribution and the location/direction patterns of the EDHs throughout the VC, were produced based on the frequency of the ailment. GIS proved to be a valuable tool in analysing EDH in dogs. Further studies are required for biomechanical analysis of EDH patterns.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cervical Vertebrae / anatomy & histology
  • Dog Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Dog Diseases / etiology
  • Dogs
  • Geographic Information Systems*
  • Intervertebral Disc Displacement / epidemiology
  • Intervertebral Disc Displacement / etiology
  • Intervertebral Disc Displacement / veterinary*
  • Lumbar Vertebrae / anatomy & histology
  • Spatial Analysis
  • Thoracic Vertebrae / anatomy & histology