Brain diffusion tensor imaging in dogs with degenerative myelopathy.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Degenerative myelopathy (DM) in dogs shares similarities with superoxide dismutase 1-associated human amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Brain microstructural lesions are quantified using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in ALS patients.

Objective

Characterize brain neurodegenerative changes in DM-affected dogs using DTI.

Animals

Sixteen DM-affected and 8 control dogs.

Methods

Prospective observational study. Brain DTI was performed at baseline and every 3 months on DM-affected dogs and compared to controls. Fractional anisotropy, mean diffusivity, axial diffusivity, and radial diffusivity were calculated on specified regions of interest. Gait scores (0, normal to 14, tetraplegia) were assigned at each scan. Diffusion tensor imaging values in DM-affe

SUBMITTER: Lewis MJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8478048 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature