Objective: To compare the proportion of lesions identified on cervical MRI in dogs based on weight. Methods: Medical records from a tertiary referral hospital were reviewed for dogs that underwent cervical MRI to investigate clinical signs consistent with cervical disease from August 30, 2019, through August 30, 2024. Dogs were grouped according to their weight (< 15 or ≥ 15 kg). Case details, including the patients' weight, breed, age, sex and neuter status, presenting clinical signs, and MRI findings, were recorded. Results: There were 270 dogs included in the study. In dogs weighing < 15 kg, the proportion of intervertebral disk disease (IVDD) was 145 of 175 (82.9%) compared to 58 of 95 (61.1%) in dogs weighing ≥ 15 kg, and the odds of having IVDD were 68% less for dogs weighing ≥ 15 kg (OR, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.18 to 0.57). There was no significant association between IVDD and weight in chondrodystrophic dogs. The odds of having neoplasia were 4.5 times higher for dogs weighing ≥ 15 kg (OR, 5.3; 95% CI, 2.1 to 15). The odds of cervical spondylomyelopathy increased with weight (OR, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.06 to 1.16). The weights of dogs with atlantoaxial instability (AAI; median, 5.2; IQR, 2.8 to 6.9) were significantly less than dogs without AAI (median, 11.0; IQR, 6.4 to 25.5). The odds of congenital abnormalities were 97% higher for dogs weighing < 15 kg compared to dogs weighing ≥ 15 kg (OR, 0.03; 95% CI, < 0.001 to 0.24). Conclusions: Dogs weighing < 15 kg had significantly higher proportions of IVDD, AAI, and congenital abnormalities compared to dogs weighing ≥ 15 kg. Dogs weighing ≥ 15 kg had significantly higher proportions of neoplasia and cervical spondylomyelopathy compared to dogs weighing < 15 kg. Clinical Relevance: This knowledge can improve the initial consultation discussion with clients that are considering advanced imaging for dogs with cervical disease and subsequent diagnostics and treatments.
Darrah et al. (Thu,) studied this question.