Vertebral disc infection (discitis/vertebral osteomyelitis) causes spinal pain with possible fever and neurologic deficits due to instability or spinal cord compression. Imaging confirms involved levels and guides biopsy or drainage. MRI is the most sensitive modality for early infection and for evaluating spinal cord involvement and soft tissues. CT helps define bony destruction and can […]

“Bone cancer” typically refers to primary malignant bone tumors (e.g. osteosarcoma) that cause pain and structural compromise. Patients often present with focal swelling and non–weight-bearing lameness, sometimes fracture. Radiographs screen for lytic or proliferative bone changes. CT characterizes cortical involvement and metastasis planning. MRI assesses marrow extent and soft-tissue spread. Nuclear imaging helps evaluate multifocal disease, while ultrasound is adjunctive only.

Spine infection (osteomyelitis/discitis) is an infectious process that can cause focal pain and neurologic compromise. Imaging confirms location, assesses extent, and helps plan biopsy or drainage. MRI is best because it detects early marrow and disc changes and evaluates spinal cord involvement. CT provides detailed bony assessment, useful for guiding procedures. Radiographs can be insensitive […]

Disc herniation causes neurologic signs from spinal cord or nerve root compression. Imaging aims to localize the lesion and define severity for therapy planning. MRI is best because it visualizes disc material, cord compression, and intramedullary changes. CT can also define compressive material, especially with myelography. Radiographs may suggest vertebral changes but can’t confirm disc […]

Elbow dysplasia describes developmental disorders causing incongruity,cartilage damage, and osteoarthritis progression. Common clinical findings include chronic forelimblameness, elbow pain, and effusion. Radiographs are the first-line imaging to assess osteophytes,incongruity, and sclerosis. CT best defines fragmented osteochondral structures, while MRI evaluatescartilage and soft-tissue injury; ultrasound is seldom primary.

Biceps tendon disease involves inflammation, tenosynovitis, degeneration, or rupture within the shoulder. Patients often show forelimb lameness and shoulder discomfort, sometimes with clicking due to sheath instability. Radiographs may show secondary bone changes but are often normal early. Ultrasound is useful for evaluating tendon and sheath effusion in accessible cases. MRI best characterizes tendon integrity […]

Osteochondritis dissecans is focal failure of cartilage that can lead to unstable fragments and osteoarthritis. Patients present with lameness and joint effusion, often after activity. Radiographs are first-line to detect osteochondral defects and mineralized fragments. CT clarifies fragment and subchondral bone architecture. MRI detects cartilage flaps and early lesions before mineralization. Ultrasound may show effusion […]

Joint arthritis leads to pain and decreased function due to synovitis and cartilage/bone changes. Imaging aims to differentiate degenerative disease, immune-mediated inflammation, infection, or neoplasia. Radiographs are first-line for osteophytes, joint space changes, and effusion. Ultrasound can evaluate effusion and synovial thickening. MRI is best for early cartilage and soft-tissue pathology. CT refines bone details, […]