Use of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging to assess a case of spinal injury in a Showa koi Cyprinus carpio. Issue 1 (10th January 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Torpy, Fred J.; Comolli, Jessica R.; Gendron, Karine P.; Armwood, Abigail R.; Camus, Alvin C.; Kehoe, Spencer P.; Divers, Stephen J.
• Is Part Of: Journal of aquatic animal health. Volume 35:Issue 1(2023)
• Page Start: 11
• Page End: 19
• Publication Date: 2023-01-10
• Subjects: Cyprinus carpio -- fish -- koi -- magnetic resonance imaging -- MRI; Aquatic animals -- Periodicals; Aquatic animals -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 571.917
• DOI: 10.1002/aah.10171
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0899-7659

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: A privately owned, 4‐year‐old female Showa koi (ornamental variant of Common Carp Cyprinus carpio ) was presented for erratic swimming, air gasping, water spitting, and abnormal orientation in the water column. Initial physical examination revealed an obese patient with no external abnormalities except a small plaque localized to filaments on a right gill hemibranch. Methods: The fish was anesthetized using AQUI‐S 20E (10% eugenol solution) at 50 mg/L to facilitate diagnostic evaluation. Biopsy of the gill lesion yielded no significant findings. Whole‐body computed tomography confirmed an excess of adipose tissue and mild scoliosis, with narrowing of the 10th–11th intervertebral space. A weight loss plan and need for repeat assessment were recommended. Result: The patient's original abnormal behaviors resolved over the following weeks, but it subsequently became hyporexic and depressed. Full‐body magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed extensive alteration of vertebral centra, with multifocal compression of the spinal cord. Due to the patient's declining clinical condition and the grave prognosis based on MRI findings, the patient was humanely euthanized. Conclusion: Postmortem examination showed severe transmural myelomalacia associated with a vertebral subluxation. This case demonstrates the practical application of advanced cross‐sectional imaging that has not been commonly afforded to fish or other lower vertebrates. Abstract : Impact Statement Though magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a key part of evaluating patients for diseases of the nervous system, it has largely only been utilized in fish in research contexts. This paper puts forth one of the first usages of magnetic resonance imaging in a fish in a clinical setting.