Standing myelography in the horse using a nonionic contrast agent

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Radiology
• Equine Neurology

Background:

• Previous equine myelography using metrizamide was associated with significant complications.
• Nonionic contrast media offer improved safety profiles for diagnostic imaging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the diagnostic quality and safety of standing myelography in horses using a nonionic contrast medium (iohexol).
• To determine the clinical utility of standing myelography as a potentially less invasive and more economical alternative to general anesthesia-based procedures.

Main Methods:

• Standing myelography was performed in eight horses utilizing iohexol as the contrast agent.
• The procedure involved lumbosacral subarachnoid space puncture for contrast medium injection.

Main Results:

• Diagnostic quality myelograms were achieved in five out of eight horses.
• Contrast flow was limited in three horses, reaching only C6 in one and failing to reach the cervical subarachnoid space in two.
• Challenges in achieving adequate contrast medium flow were noted.

Conclusions:

• Standing myelography with iohexol can yield diagnostic results in some equine patients.
• The procedure's utility may be limited by difficulties in achieving consistent contrast flow.
• This technique could be a viable, cost-effective option for equine patients where general anesthesia is contraindicated or economically prohibitive, particularly for ataxia evaluations.