Vertebral physitis with epiphyseal sequestration and a portosystemic shunt in a Pekingese dog

Diagnostic Imaging of Discospondylitis

Discospondylitis can affect dogs of any age and breed and may be seen in cats. Although radiography remains the gold standard, advanced imaging, such as CT and MRI, has benefits and likely allows earlier diagnosis and identification of concurrent disease. Because discospondylitis may affect multiple disk spaces, imaging of the entire spine should be considered. There is a lengthening list of causative etiologic agents, and successful treatment hinges on correct identification. Image-guided biopsy should be considered in addition to blood and urine cultures and Brucella canis screening and as an alternative to surgical biopsy in some cases.