Lumbo‐sacral Vertebral Sinus Venography via Transjugular Catheterization in the Dog

Abstract

A technic for percutaneous transjugular catheterization of the median sacral vein (MSV) was developed in the dog. This technic provides a means for visualizing the vertebral sinuses in the lumbo‐sacral area. Temporary external occlusion of the caudal vena cava coincident with injection of contrast medium was necessary to get consistent, symmetrical filling of the vertebral sinuses. Dissections confirmed variation in location of the MSV and presence of valves at the terminus of this vessel. Angiograms performed using the seventh lumbar intervertebral vein, cranial gluteal vein, and internal iliac vein were less satisfactory due to incomplete filling of the vertebral sinuses.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Caudal Lumbar and Lumbosacral Spine in 13 Dogs (1990–1993)

“…Linear low signal structures dorsal to protruding intervertebral discs and ventral to epidural fat, presumed to represent the dorsal longitudinal ligament (Fig. I), were visualized in all but 4 dogs (#3, 4,11,13). This ligament was not identified in the 2 dogs reevaluated for recurrence of pain following previous L,-S dorsal laminectomy and fenestration (#3, 4) or in 2 dogs with relatively severe disc protrusion or herniation (#I], 13).…”

“…Differentiation of low signal proliferation from ventrally and laterally extruded degenerate disc material was difficult due to similar signal intensity. In 5 dogs (#7, 8, 10, 11,13), this material appeared to contribute to foramina1 stenosis and peripheral nerve root compression (Figs. 6,9).…”

“…All dogs were evaluated with survey radiographs of the caudal lumbar and lumbosacral spine. In addition, 4 dogs were also studied with an epidurogram (#1) and myelograms (#7, 12,13).…”

Surgical Treatment of Degenerative Lumbosacral Stenosis in Dogs

“…Epidurography is valuable in helping to visualize narrowing of the vertebral canal especially when caused by a bulging disk. Other techniques that can be used to confirm the diagnosis of DLSS, which are reported elsewhere but were not used in the present study, include vertebral sinus venography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and electromyography 19,24,25,48,49 …”

The diagnosis and treatment of cauda equina lesions in the dog

“…The use of myelography (Wright, 1980) and vertebral sinus venography (Oliver et al, 1978) has been advocated for the investigation of C.E.S. but these techniques have been shown to be not consistently reliable (Koblick & Suter, 1981). Further studies are therefore required before such procedures can be accepted as routine radiographic aids.…”