Myelographic Applications in Newborn Healthy and Paraplegic Calves

Abstract

This study was undertaken to establish a protocol for myelography in the healthy and paraplegic neonatal bovine calf. The study material will be composed of 30 calves, 10 of which are normal and 20 of which are paraplegic, brought to Adnan Menderes University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. The contrast medium used was Iopamidol, which was introduced through the foramen magnum under general anesthesia . In order to diagnose the atlantooccipital space, this region was tried to be diagnosed with the help of an ultrasound. Myelography revealed changes in the spinal canal and assisted in a definite diagnosis. It has been observed that myelography applications made with this method described by Braun are extremely useful and practical. Bleeding was observed in only two of the cases after puncture. No complications were observed after myelography. While a narrowing of the subarachnoid space was observed in the cervical region in 2 of 20 calves with paraplegia, a lesion was observed in the lumbar region in 5 of them. In 10 cases, narrowing of the cauda equina segment was observed. In 3 cases, paraplegia was observed in the patient it has been concluded that the prognosis can be determined more accurately by myelography.

Keywords

• paraplegia
• calf
• myelography