title: Asymptomatic radiographic disappearance of calcified intervertebral disc material in the Dachshund.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Dept. of Clinical Studies, Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University, Frederiksberg C, Copenhagen, Denmark.
authors.forename: V F
authors.initials: VF
authors.lastname: Jensen
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001947:Breeding; D002114:Calcinosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000662:veterinary*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D007405:Intervertebral Disc Displacement / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000662:veterinary*; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011859:Radiography; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae