We are lucky to offer the capability of performing myelograms here at Creekside Veterinary Hospital. With this, we can use our digital radiographs along with our CT scanner to obtain an interpretation of the spine. In order to perform a myelogram, we must place our patients under gas anesthesia. There are different ways we can perform a myelogram: one way is with standard radiology, and the other is in conjunction with our CT machine. Usually if we are performing a CT myelogram, we will do our first scan of the spine without contrast and the second one with. If we only use radiology, we only use it with our fluoroscope and radiographs.
Myelogram
How It Works
In either situation we will use a spinal needle to inject a radiopaque contrast using the assistance of our fluoroscope (video radiology). Once we are in the subarachnoid space that surrounds the spinal cord we will obtain some of the CSF (cerebral spinal fluid), which we can also send out for interpretation if needed. We will then inject the contrast and take a radiograph of the spine to see where the contrast is along the spinal cord. Our doctor will give an interpretation of the spine looking for any displacement or irregularities of the contrast. Many times we look for compressed areas of the spinal cord, showing a ruptured disk. We can also do a CT scan which will give more detailed images of the spine allowing us to diagnose things we may not see in the radiographs.
