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Updated: Jul 18, 2026
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Published on: October 26, 2021
Radiographic sensitivity and negative predictive value for acute canine spinal trauma
Jennifer Kinns1, Wilfried Mai, Gabriela Seiler
1Department of Clinical Studies, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, 3900 Delancey Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6010, USA. jkinns@vet.upenn.edu
Summary
Radiography has moderate sensitivity for detecting spinal fractures and subluxations in trauma dogs. This imaging modality cannot reliably rule out acute vertebral lesions, often necessitating further diagnostic imaging.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Radiology
- Canine Orthopedics
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Acute spinal osseous lesions are a concern in canine trauma patients.
- Accurate diagnosis is crucial for appropriate management and prognosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the sensitivity and negative predictive value of radiography for acute spinal osseous lesions in traumatized dogs.
- To assess interobserver variability in radiographic interpretation of canine spinal trauma.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective, multiple-observer blinded study.
- Inclusion of 30 canine patients with acute spinal trauma.
- Comparison of radiography with computed tomography (CT) as the gold standard.
Main Results:
- Radiography showed moderate sensitivity for fractures (72%) and subluxations (77.5%).
- Low negative predictive values were found for vertebral canal narrowing (58%) and fracture fragments (51%).
- Moderate to fair interobserver agreement was observed for most lesion types.
Conclusions:
- Radiography is not reliable for ruling out potentially unstable acute vertebral lesions in canine trauma patients.
- Further advanced imaging is frequently indicated for high-risk cases.
- CT is often necessary for definitive diagnosis of spinal injuries.
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