Spontaneous resorption of a herniated cervical disc in a dog detected by magnetic resonance imaging

Abstract

This report describes, for the first time in small animal literature, the spontaneous resorption of herniated Hansen type I intervertebral disc material in the cervical spine of a chondrodystrophic dog over a 4-month period, documented by magnetic resonance imaging. Clinical signs (cervical hyperpathia) responded to conservative treatment during the same period.

Figure 1

T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A — Sagittal view. B — Transverse view. Note the T2-weighted hypointense extradural material that is located above the C3–C4 intervertebral disc space and causing mild focal ventral compression of the spinal cord at the level of C3–C4 intervertebral disc space (arrow). Notably, the normal CSF signal of the subarachnoid space and the normal epidural fat signal in the ventral and dorsal aspect of the spinal cord at the compression site have been lost. The C3–C4 intervertebral disc exhibits a marked reduction in T2-weighted signal, indicating degeneration. The narrowing of the C3–C4 intervertebral disc space is observed. C — Sagittal view. D — Transverse view of the cervical vertebral column of the dog depicted in parts A and B, obtained 4 months after the previous MRI. Notably, the intervertebral disc herniation and compression characterized by the presence of spinal fluid and an epidural fat signal (T2W hyperintense) dorsal and ventral to the spinal cord have resolved (arrow). The changes described earlier in the C3–C4 intervertebral disc and the intervertebral disc space remain present.