2016 ACVIM Forum Research Abstract Program

Due to space constraints, only part of the results is presented. With neutral positioning, 14 total compressions were noted; 5/9 patients had 1 compression, 3 patients had 2 compressions, and 1 patient had 3 compressions. With flexion, 12 total compressions were noted; 1 patient had no compressions, 5 patients had 1 compression, 2 patients had 2 compressions, and 1 patient had 3 compressions. With extension, 26 total compressions were noted; 1 patient had 1 compression, 6 patients had 2 compressions, 3 patients had 3 compressions, and 1 patient had 4 compressions. In neutral, the majority of lesions were mild (11/14) and located ventrally (9/14). Extension was associated with worsening of compressions in 7 out of 14 sites and the presence of severe compressions (4/26). It was also associated with multiple directions of compression; there was ventral and dorsal compression at 12/26 sites with extension. Morphometric results revealed a decrease in spinal cord height at C6-C7 (midsagittal images) from neutral to extension (P = 0.003) and from flexion to extension (P = 0.001).