Published in Scientific Works. Series C. Veterinary Medicine, Vol. LXX, Issue 2
Written by Alexandru-Gabriel NEAGU, Raluca Mihaela TURBATU, Marius-Mihai BĂDULESCU, Cristina FERNOAGĂ, Niculae TUDOR, Constantin VLĂGIOIU
The diagnosis and understanding of myelomalacia in dogs rely heavily on clinical, neurological, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) aspects. A study conducted at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Bucharest reviewed
medical records from 10 cases, selected based on their clinical history, neurological evaluation, and MRI findings. The clinical and neurological signs varied depending on the location and severity of the spinal cord injury, with common symptoms including limb weakness or paralysis, coordination issues, walking difficulties, pain, and changes in posture.
MRI plays a vital role in diagnosing myelomalacia by providing detailed images of the spinal cord, offering crucial insights into the condition. The cases were classified into three types based on their cause: traumatic (6 cases), degenerative (3 cases), and vascular (1 case), all affecting the thoracolumbar spinal cord. In conclusion, the combination of clinical assessment, neurological examination, and MRI is essential for accurately diagnosing myelomalacia in dogs and determining appropriate treatment options.
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