Asymptomatic radiographic disappearance of calcified intervertebral disc material in the Dachshund

• Published in: Veterinary radiology & ultrasound Vol. 42; no. 2; pp. 141 - 148
• Main Author: Jensen, V F
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 01-03-2001
• Subjects: Animals; Breeding; Calcinosis - diagnostic imaging; Calcinosis - veterinary; Dog Diseases - diagnostic imaging; Dogs; Female; Intervertebral Disc Displacement - diagnostic imaging; Intervertebral Disc Displacement - veterinary; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Prospective Studies; Radiography; Thoracic Vertebrae
• ISSN: 1058-8183
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1740-8261.2001.tb00917.x

The occurrence of asymptomatic disappearance of intervertebral disc calcification was evaluated in a radiographic prospective longitudinal study of 40 Dachshunds followed from 6 or 12 months of age to 2 years of age. Radiographic follow-up was performed at 3 to 4 years of age in 12 dogs. Disappearance of calcified disc material was observed in 9 thoracic and 1 lumbar intervertebral discs. The crude incidence rate tended to increase with age from 1 year of age. The features of the disappearing calcifications involved indicate that the phenomenon is part of the progressive degenerative process. A possible pathogenesis includes tearing of the annulus fibrosus due to the severe degeneration of the disc, followed by an inflammatory response to nuclear material and phagocytic resorption of calcified material.