2016 ACVIM Forum Research Abstract Program

Given space constraints, only a portion of the results is reported. In neutral 4 patients had 1 compression, 4 patients had 2 compressions, 3 patients had 3 compressions, and 1 patient had 4 compressions (25 total compressions). In flexion 1 patient had 0 compressions, 4 patients had 1 compression, 4 patients had 2 compressions, 2 patients had 3 compressions, and 1 patient had 4 compressions (22 total compressions). In extension 2 patients had 1 compression, 1 patient had 2 compressions, 8 patients had 3 compressions, and 1 patient had 4 compressions (32 total compressions). Extension was associated with mild compression at C4-C5 (P = 0.02) that was not noted in neutral or flexion, and extension caused worsening of 28% (7/25 compressions) of the compressions that were present in neutral. There were 11/32 compressions (34%) in extension that were not present in neutral and 10/11 (91%) of these compressions had a dorsal component; the presence of dorsal compression with extension was significant at C4-C5 (P = 0.01). Flexion was associated with an increase in intervertebral disc width at C3-C4 (P = 0.02) and extension caused widening of the intervertebral disc at C6-C7; no other significant morphometric findings were noted. In 1 patient, a synovial cyst that was not identified in neutral was noted to cause mild spinal cord compression in extension.