General Discussions

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Dynamic imaging of the cervical spine may be warranted in order to evaluate the extension of a disc compression versus the presence of “Wobblers Disease” or facet hypertrophy. Similar to lumbo-sacral dynamic imaging, extending the neck can allow you to appreciate dynamic changes to the compression of the spinal cord. Dynamic imaging will be added as additional sequences after your normal imaging study. Typically this is accomplished with myelographic, T2 sagittal, and T2 axial dynamic images. It is usually ideal to perform pre and post imaging prior to dynamic changes in order for the pre and post images to match.

There are multiple ways to perform dynamic imaging of the cervical spine and they all come with certain risks. Any dynamic imaging should be performed under the direct supervision of a doctor. The first method is hyperextension with a bolster. In this method, with the patient in dorsal recumbency, place…

The brachial plexus is an area of the central nervous system where the peripheral nerves branch off of the spinal cord and extend out to the forelimbs. The brachial plexus extends from the level of C4 to T3 cranially and caudally, laterally through the axilla and shoulder girdle, and ventro dorsally from the posterior aspects of the spinous processes through the anterior portion of the shoulder.

Imaging sequences should be performed with a large FOV and enough additional slices to cover that entire area. It is usually easiest to begin with a coronal STIR or T2 fat saturated sequence covering the entire area in order to help locate any abnormalities and focus the subsequent imaging sequences.

The purpose of the study is to evaluate for nerve sheath lesions in the brachial plexus that can cause muscle atrophy, weakness, and proprioception deficits in the forelimbs.

Coronal slice group positioning

Axial slice…