title: Radiographic scoring for intervertebral disc calcification in the Dachshund.
abstract: Intervertebral disc disease is a common, painful and debilitating neurological condition of dogs, causing substantial morbidity and mortality. The Dachshund is particularly susceptible to this disorder. The goal of this article is not to duplicate previously published reviews on canine intervertebral disc degeneration and degenerative diseases. Rather, the aims are threefold: (1) to reflect on selected clinical and pathophysiological aspects of intervertebral disc degeneration and disc disease that are pertinent to the Dachshund breed; (2) to review a radiographic spinal scoring scheme developed to reduce the prevalence of intervertebral disc disease in Dachshunds; and (3) to suggest further areas of research to improve upon the currently established scoring scheme in an attempt to address this breed's greatest health problem.
authors.affiliation: School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA 5371, Australia; Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA. Electronic address: ajr293@cornell.edu.
authors.forename: Alana J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Rosenblatt
authors.affiliation: School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA 5371, Australia.
authors.forename: Cynthia D K
authors.initials: CD
authors.lastname: Bottema
authors.affiliation: School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA 5371, Australia.
authors.forename: Peter B
authors.initials: PB
authors.lastname: Hill
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002114:Calcinosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000662:veterinary*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D004285:Dogs; D055959:Intervertebral Disc Degeneration / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000662:veterinary*; D011859:Radiography; D013045:Species Specificity
keywords: Dachshund; Disc calcification; Dog; Intervertebral disc disease; Radiographic scoring