Myelography and epidurography

Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. 1993 Mar;23(2):307-29. doi: 10.1016/s0195-5616(93)50030-x.

Abstract

To summarize the points discussed in this article, Small animal myelography can be performed competently and safely without specialized equipment. The newer myelographic contrast media (iohexol, iopamidol) have less neurotoxic potential than those media previously used. Myelography is necessary for the diagnosis of many neurologic disorders in small animals. Metrizamide is no longer recommended for myelography in dogs and cats. Iohexol (Isovue) in concentration of 180 mg I/mL to 300 mg I/mL is recommended for small animal myelography. Some patients with serious spinal cord disease can exhibit normal myelograms. Recognizing abnormal myelographic patterns is the hallmark of myelographic interpretation. Anticonvulsive drugs (diazepam, pentobarbital, and phenobarbital) should be available for therapy of postmyelographic seizures. Epidurography is an effective diagnostic technique in the evaluation of canine lumbosacral compressive disease. Abnormalities identified with epidurography correlate well with surgically confirmed lesions.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cat Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Cats
  • Contrast Media / administration & dosage
  • Dog Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Dogs
  • Myelography / methods
  • Myelography / veterinary*
  • Spinal Canal / diagnostic imaging*
  • Spinal Cord Diseases / veterinary
  • Spinal Diseases / veterinary

Substances

  • Contrast Media