Initial studies in proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) of the canine brain have used large voxel sizes, resulting in non-specific spectra. Multi-voxel chemical shift imaging (CSI) 1H-MRS was performed on eight neurologically normal research dogs using a GE 3.0T Signa HDx MR unit with a single-channel knee coil. MRSI 1H-MRS was performed in the thalamus (Thal), piriform (Pirif) lobe and cerebellar medulla (CereMed). The following voxel sizes were assessed: 0.5, 0.4, 0.3 and 0.225 cm3. Descriptive statistics were performed on major metabolites (Cho, NAA, Cr) and metabolic ratios. Major metabolite means, ratios and % baseline noise were compared for significance across each voxel size. The scans were performed within a clinically applicable time, and of acceptable quality, with moderate baseline noise. We determined that smaller voxel sizes can be achieved for 1H-MRI of the canine brain, resulting in minimal voxel contamination, particularly when using a 0.225 cm3 voxel.
