Clinical evaluation of metrizamide as a myelographic agent in the dog.

Metrizamide, a new, water-soluble contrast agent, was clinically evaluated as a myelographic agent in 17 dogs. Nine dogs were given lumbar subarachnoid injections and six were given cisternal injections. Two dogs were given cisternal and lumbar injections; in one dog, both injections were given on the same day. The dosage ranged from 0.3 to 0.57 ml/kg of body weight, using an isotonic solution of metrizamide. Of eight dogs given cisternal injections, two experienced convulsive activity requiring diazepam treatment during the anesthetic recovery period. The lumbar injections did not cause convulsions. Satisfactory radiographic density persisted up to 45 minutes after injection, allowing time for several views to be obtained. In general, metrizamide appeared to be an adequate myelographic agent in the dog.