Using Advanced Imaging to Diagnose Canine Degenerative Myelopathy

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Spinal cord lesions caused by canine degenerative myelopathy are undetectable on standard clinical MRI limiting our ability to diagnose and monitor the disease. Studies in people with a similar condition, Lou Gehrig’s disease, have shown that an advanced MRI technique called diffusion tensor imaging is able to detect the microscopic changes in the spinal cord caused by this condition. This project aims to determine if this technique is able to identify the spinal cord lesions caused by degenerative myelopathy by comparing imaging results from a group of dogs with the condition with a normal group. Diffusion tensor imaging has the potential to become a reliable imaging method for the diagnosis and monitoring of degenerative myelopathy.

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Funding: Morris Animal Foundation

More information: Clinical Trials Website 

Media: Lessons From A Paralyzed Dog