Use of iohexol for myelography in the horse.

This study investigates the use of iohexol, a contrast agent, for myelography (a type of medical imaging) in horses, finding it to be a safe, effective and affordable option.

Objective

The objective of this research was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of iohexol as a contrast agent for myelography in horses. This includes assessing any potential clinical or pathological effects of intrathecal (into the spinal canal) administration of the agent.

Methodology and Results

The study was conducted with two groups of horses.

• Group 1: This group involved six horses. They were given iohexol into the spinal canal for myelography. A quantity of 20 ml of iohexol with a concentration of 300 or 350 mg iodine/ml proved effective for the procedure with no serious clinical or neurological side effects. Minimal inflammation was found in the cerebrospinal fluid four and 14 days post-injection, and no signs of meningitis or other pathological effects were found upon post-mortem examination 14 days after myelography.
• Group 2: This group consisted of 19 clinical cases where horses were suspected to have cervical vertebral malformation. The only adverse results noted were in two horses in which iohexol, diluted with sterile water, was injected into the spinal canal; these horses developed necrotising meningitis and had to be euthanised.

Conclusion

Based on the findings, the study concluded that iohexol possesses numerous advantages for myelography in horses due to its diagnostic quality, safety, and cost-effectiveness. However, the research also highlighted the risk of necrotising meningitis when the iohexol is diluted with sterile water prior to intrathecal injection, underscoring the need for careful administration of the contrast agent.