The cervical spine of 21 dogs with clinical signs of cervical stenotic myel
opathy was evaluated using magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, Spin echo T1, T
2 and gradient echo T2 weighted images were obtained with a 1.5 Tesla magne
t in 12 dogs and a 1.0 Tesla magnet in 9 dogs, Sagittal or parasagittal T1W
and T2W images were helpful in determining the presence of spinal cord com
pression or degenerative disease of the articular processes. Transverse T1W
and T2W images were the most useful for the identification of dorsolateral
spinal cord compression secondary to soft tissue and ligament hypertrophy,
as well as synovial cysts, associated with the articular processes. The MR
imaging findings were consistent with the surgical findings in all 14 dogs
that underwent surgery, Magnetic resonance imaging provided a safe, non-in
vasive method of evaluating the cervical spine in dogs suspected of having
cervical stenotic myelopathy.