Retrospective Preliminary Assessment of Routine Follow-Up Low-Field Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Dogs Presumptively Diagnosed With Discospondylitis

Abstract

BackgroundThe usefulness of routine follow-up Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI-2) in asymptomatic dogs treated for discospondylitis is unknown.MethodsThis cross-sectional retrospective study investigated the features of MRI-2 in a heterogeneous group of dogs treated for discospondylitis, and if these were associated with the presence or absence of clinical signs. After comparing initial MRI (MRI-1) and MRI-2, an observer, blinded to the dog's clinical signs, described the MRI-2 findings. The study population was then divided into symptomatic or asymptomatic at the time of MRI-2. Two separate observers subjectively classified the discospondylitis as active or inactive. Repeatability and interobserver agreement were evaluated.ResultsA total of 25 dogs were included. At the time of MRI-2 16 (64%) dogs were asymptomatic and 9 (36%) were symptomatic. Based on MRI-2, 20 (80%) and 18 (72%) out of 25 dogs were considered to have active discospondylitis by the first and second observers, respectively. Interobserver agreement was moderate. No MRI-2 features were associated with the clinical status. The subjective classification of inactive discospondylitis was significantly associated with asymptomatic clinical status, but the classification of active discospondylitis was evenly distributed between groups.ConclusionThis study did not identify a meaningful association between the clinical status of dogs treated for presumptive discospondylitis and MRI-2 results. There were no specific MRI-2 features which were associated with the clinical status.

Determining the prevalence and risk factors for positive bacterial culture in canine discospondylitis: 120 cases

“…The decision to stop antimicrobial treatment of discospondylitis is challenging, with the duration of treatment often determined by insensitive or subjective features, such as resolution of spinal hyperaesthesia, the previous experience of the attending clinician and the owner's attitude towards risk of relapse. Furthermore, neither radiographical nor MRI findings have been shown to correlate well with clinical status during convalescence 13,32 . The median duration of antimicrobial treatment in the current study was 16 weeks, while the largest veterinary study to date documented a mean duration of treatment of 53.7 ± 45.4 weeks.…”

“…Furthermore, neither radiographical nor MRI findings have been shown to correlate well with clinical status during convalescence. 13,32 The median duration of antimicrobial treatment in the current study was 16 weeks, while the largest veterinary study to date documented a mean duration of treatment of 53.7 ± 45.4 weeks. Interestingly, human medicine faces similar challenges with respect to deciding treatment duration, using clinical signs (pain assessment tools) and systemic inflammatory markers to monitor response, including CRP.…”

Clinical features, comparative imaging findings, treatment, and outcome in dogs with discospondylitis: A multi‐institutional retrospective study

“…While this approach is both logical and ideal, repeat advanced imaging can be cost prohibitive for many clients. Findings from advanced imaging modalities such as MRI might also have no meaningful association with clinical status 24 . In this study, we noted 5 dogs that initially had normal radiographs, who later developed lesions consistent with discospondylitis.…”

“…Findings from advanced imaging modalities such as MRI might also have no meaningful association with clinical status. 24 In this study, we noted 5 dogs that initially had normal radiographs, who later developed lesions consistent with discospondylitis. As such, radiographs could be a suitable monitoring tool in dogs whose owners are financially restricted, though, it should be noted that any lesion improvement on follow‐up imaging could be indicative of either successful treatment or variability in diagnostic sensitivity between imaging modalities.…”