Case Study

CT – Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) with compressive myelopathy in a 3 year old FS Chihuahua with lameness

This 3 year old FS Chihuahua dog has been lame on the left front, nn responsive to NSAIDS.

Image Interpretation

CT of the thoracic limbs and cervical spine – The intervertebral disc space C6/7 presents wedge shaped narrowing. The C6/7 disc reveals moderate protrusion into the ventral epidural space causing a mild compressive effect onto the cervical spinal cord with the used neutral positioning of the neck. The cranial endplate of the 7th cervical vertebra presents mild dorsal tipping. Similar findings with a lesser degree are noted for the C5/6 and C7/T1 intervertebral space and disc, the myelocompressive effect appears to be minor here.

DX

reveals intervertebral disc disease with mild compressive myelopathy at C6/7. A dynamic component of the disc associated compression is possible.

Outcome

Detailed assessment and rule out of differential diagnoses such as non-compressive disc extrusion, ischemic or inflammatory myelopathy would warrant further definition by either MRI and/or CSF examination and may be considered in case the CT findings do not parallel the clinical situation.
Minor disc associated vertebral canal stenosis is noted at C5/6 and C7/T1 as well.