Editorial Type:
Diagnostic Imaging

Evaluation of the accuracy of neurologic data, survey radiographic results, or both for localization of the site of thoracolumbar intervertebral disk herniation in dogs

Tsuyoshi Murakami Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN 55108.

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Daniel A. Feeney Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN 55108.

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Jennifer L. Willey Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN 55108.

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Bradley P. Carlin Division of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455.

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DOI:
https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.75.3.251
Volume/Issue:
Volume 75: Issue 3
Online Publication Date:
01 Mar 2014
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Abstract

Objective—To determine the accuracy of neurologic data, survey radiographic results, or both for localization of the site of thoracolumbar intervertebral disk herniation in dogs.

Sample—338 dogs with surgically confirmed intervertebral disk herniation from disk spaces T10–11 to L6–7.

Procedures—Medical records and archived survey radiographs were reviewed for each case. Data were analyzed with multivariable logistic regression models. Three models were fit to develop subsets of the data consisting of survey radiographic data, neurologic examination data, and a combination of survey radiographic and neurologic examination data. The resulting models were validated by evaluating predictive performance against a validation subset of the data.

Results—Models incorporating survey radiographic data and a combination of survey radiographic and neurologic data had similar predictive ability and performed better than the model based solely on neurologic data but resulted in substantial errors in predictions.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—A combination of neurologic examination data as recorded in the medical records and radiographic data did not enhance predictive performance of multivariable logistic regression models over models limited to radiographic data. Neurologic and radiographic findings should not be used to completely exclude areas in an abnormal spinal cord region from further evaluation with advanced imaging.

Abstract

Objective—To determine the accuracy of neurologic data, survey radiographic results, or both for localization of the site of thoracolumbar intervertebral disk herniation in dogs.

Sample—338 dogs with surgically confirmed intervertebral disk herniation from disk spaces T10–11 to L6–7.

Procedures—Medical records and archived survey radiographs were reviewed for each case. Data were analyzed with multivariable logistic regression models. Three models were fit to develop subsets of the data consisting of survey radiographic data, neurologic examination data, and a combination of survey radiographic and neurologic examination data. The resulting models were validated by evaluating predictive performance against a validation subset of the data.

Results—Models incorporating survey radiographic data and a combination of survey radiographic and neurologic data had similar predictive ability and performed better than the model based solely on neurologic data but resulted in substantial errors in predictions.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—A combination of neurologic examination data as recorded in the medical records and radiographic data did not enhance predictive performance of multivariable logistic regression models over models limited to radiographic data. Neurologic and radiographic findings should not be used to completely exclude areas in an abnormal spinal cord region from further evaluation with advanced imaging.

Contributor Notes

Dr. Murakami's present address is Antech Imaging Services, 17672-B Cowan Ave, Irvine, CA 92614.

Dr. Willey's present address is Veterinary Specialty Hospital, 10435 Sorrento Valley Rd, San Diego, CA 92121.

This manuscript represents a portion of a thesis submitted by Dr. Murakami to the University of Minnesota as partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy degree.

Supported by the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine Companion Animal Grant.

Address correspondence to Dr. Murakami (murak010@gmail.com).
Cover American Journal of Veterinary Research
American Journal of Veterinary Research
Publication Date:
01 Mar 2014

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