Veterinary Imaging Center: Case Histories

Lumbosacral images of a 5-year old, 13-pound female Shih Tzu presenting with thoracolumbar pain, kyphosis, CP deficits and upper motor neuron signs. Previous myelogram and right-sided hemilamenectomy at L3-5 were performed, with no improvement. MRI revealed intervertebral disc herniation L3-4 ventral and left-sided. A second hemilaminectomy was performed following MRI and dog is recovering well; symptoms seem resolved.

12 yr old golden retriever presents with history of exophthalamic globe and chronic epistaxis. MR sequences performed in axial, sagittal and coronal planes. On both the pre and post-contrast enhanced T-1 weighted images, a large heterogenous mass is identified within the left nasal cavity with erosion into the left orbit and left frontal sinus. Mass is also present in the nasal pharynx and obstructive sinusitis is also demonstrated. Differential diagnosis is a neoplasm which most likely represents an adenocarcinoma. MRI gives the best detailed imaging of the extent and location of the lesion.

Cookie was chasing a ball when her owner heard her cry out in pain. Cookie then developed problems walking. Cookie's owners thought maybe Cookie had hurt her hind legs or pulled a muscle.

Cookie's veterinarian knew plain radiographs would not be able to detect Cookie's problem, because she would not be able to "see" the spinal cord. She knew that a myelogram would be too invasive of a procedure. When a myelogram is performed, a needle is introduced into the spine canal to release dye, then a series of radiographs are taken which would expose Cookie to unnecessary radiation. The veterinarian knew that if there was an embolus, the embolus in the spinal cord would not be detected by a myelogram. She also knew that some types of tumors within the spinal canal would not be detected by a myelogram or radiographs. Myelitis would also go undetected with radiographs or a myelogram. Cookie's owners trusted the veterinarian to make the best decision for Cookie.

The veterinarian decided to send Cookie to VIC for an MRI. The procedure was safe, and she knew Cookie would be in very good hands. The entire procedure, including induction of anesthesia, the MRI scan, and recovery from anesthesia, lasted about an hour and 30 minutes. Her recovery from the MRI was very safe and smooth.

A fibrocartilaginous emboli was discovered in Cookie's cervical (neck) spinal cord. Treatment for this problem is much different from the other possible diagnoses. Cookie had a non-surgical problem, whereas a disc or tumor probably would have meant surgery for Cookie. Myelitis may have meant intensive care and strong medication. The MRI enabled a quickly diagnosis. Cookie wasn't subjected to any invasive diagnostic procedures or exploratory surgery.

Fortunately, after treatment Cookie improved in about 10 days.

Yum Yum, a 13-year-old domestic short hair cat.

Yum Yum had been experiencing several months of walking difficulties, as if she had no balance. She was not responding to treatment and her condition was getting worse.

Yum Yum's veterinarian decided to have Yum Yum get an MRI of the brain. The MRI is a great diagnostic tool for pathology of the brain. Conventional imaging modalities (eg, radiographs and ultrasound) cannot view the brain. The CAT scan does not allow as accurate a diagnosis as an MRI of the brain.

After the MRI, it was apparent that Yum Yum had a brain tumor near the cerebellum and cervical spinal cord. By doing the MRI, the doctors were able to rule out other diseases of the brain and determine a treatment plan for Yum Yum.