Cystic Abnormalities of the Spinal Cord and Vertebral Column

Abstract

Cystic lesions of the vertebral column and spinal cord are important differential diagnoses in dogs with signs of spinal cord disease. Synovial cysts are commonly associated with degenerative joint disease and usually affect the cervical and lumbosacral regions. Arachnoid diverticulum (previously known as cyst) is seen in the cervical region of large breed dogs and thoracolumbar region of small breed dogs. This article reviews the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of these and other, less common, cystic lesions.

Keywords: Arachnoid diverticulum; Cysts; Dilated subarachnoid space; Synovial cyst.