Small Animal Radiology and Ultrasound: A Diagnostic Atlas and Text

684 Small Animal Radiolo g y and Ultrasono graphy
Fig. 6-21 A 13-year-old neutered
female mixed breed dog with vomiting
and constipation. There is
marked, smoothly bordered bony
bridging between more than four
lumbar vertebrae (white arrows).
Diagnosis: Diffuse idiopathic spinal
hyperostosis (DISH).
Dural Ossification. Occasionally a fine linear calcified density will be noted on the edge
of the dural tube. This represents ossification of the dura and is rarely of clinical significance
(Fig. 6-24). 34,106 The thin, linear mineral opacity may extend continuously along several
vertebral bodies. Its position and length help discriminate this lesion from
mineralization of the annulus fibrosis or dorsal longitudinal ligament. On rare occasions
this may be used to define the line of the dura and indicate the site of an extradural
lesion. 107 This lesion usually is observed in older large-breed dogs and is more common in
the caudal cervical and midlumbar regions.
Fig. 6-22 A 9-year-old male Great
Dane with fever, rear limb ataxia,
and a palpably enlarged prostate.
There is a moderately enlarged
prostate, as well as irregular subchondral
bone margins and periarticular
osteophytosis of the articular
facets of the lumbar spine.
Diagnosis: Lumbar spine articular
degenerative joint disease and
prostatomegaly. The dog’s clinical
signs resolved after castration and
antibiotic therapy.
Fig. 6-23 A close-up view of the
L2-3 articulation of a 9-year-old
Cocker Spaniel that did not have
spinal symptoms. There is marked
periarticular osteophytosis (white
arrow) and irregularity to the articular
surface (long black arrow). The
cranial articulation (small black
arrow) is normal. Diagnosis:
Degenerative joint disease of the
articular facets at L2-3.