Very Common
Related Observations
Your vet might choose this diagnostic test if you were making these observations.
Diagnostic
Tests or procedures used by your vet to determine what is wrong with your horse, in order to reach a diagnosis.
Cost: $1,000 to $2,500
These cost ranges are approximate and may vary from region to region.
Additional charges may also apply.
YOUR VET MAY PERFORM
Myelogram, X-ray
Cost: $1,000 to $2,500
These cost ranges are approximate and may vary from region to region.
Additional charges may also apply.
Summary
A myelogram is a diagnostic tool used to determine spinal cord compression. It is a radiographic study in which a special dye is injected into the space within the spinal canal surrounding the spinal cord. Regular spinal radiographs only provide a clear picture of the bones.
The dye is radiopaque (impenetrable by X-ray) and it allows the examiner to better visualize the spinal cord, exiting nerves and nerve canal. Radiographs (X-rays) are then taken in special positions and analyzed. In horses, spinal cord compression is usually found in the neck.
The horse is anesthetized and an area behind the ears is clipped and surgically prepared. A long spinal needle is introduced carefully into the space around the spinal cord. Fluid bathing the spinal cord (cerebrospinal fluid) is usually harvested for lab analysis at this time and the dye is injected. A series of radiographic images are taken with the neck in various positions. These are interpreted by studying the dye columns above and below the spinal cord.
The dye is radiopaque (impenetrable by X-ray) and it allows the examiner to better visualize the spinal cord, exiting nerves and nerve canal. Radiographs (X-rays) are then taken in special positions and analyzed. In horses, spinal cord compression is usually found in the neck.
The horse is anesthetized and an area behind the ears is clipped and surgically prepared. A long spinal needle is introduced carefully into the space around the spinal cord. Fluid bathing the spinal cord (cerebrospinal fluid) is usually harvested for lab analysis at this time and the dye is injected. A series of radiographic images are taken with the neck in various positions. These are interpreted by studying the dye columns above and below the spinal cord.
Why A Vet Chooses This Diagnostic
Related Diagnostics
Other diagnostic tests that might be used in combination or with this one or instead of this one.
Diagnoses Your Vet May Consider
This test could rule out or confirm any of the following diagnoses.
BENEFITS
Myelogram provides greater visualization of the spinal cord by defining and highlighting the area around it. It is much more sensitive than plain neck radiographs, and much more helpful in determining whether a horse has a spinal cord compression. LIMITATIONS
Often, only the spinal cord from the head to the withers (the cervical or neck region of the spine) may be visualized due to the limitations of the x-ray generator used. Large private practices and university teaching hospitals may have more powerful x-ray generators that allow for visualization of more of the spinal cord.
your role
Questions To Ask Your Vet:
- If myelogram confirms a compression of the spinal cord, what are potential treatments and their approximate costs?