Topic:Intervertebral Disks
Intervertebral disks in horses are fibrocartilaginous structures located between the vertebrae of the spine. These disks function to absorb shock, allow flexibility, and maintain spinal stability during movement. The anatomy of equine intervertebral disks includes an outer fibrous ring, the annulus fibrosus, and a gel-like center, the nucleus pulposus. Research on equine intervertebral disks focuses on their structure, function, and potential disorders, such as degenerative disk disease or herniation, which can impact a horse's mobility and performance. This page compiles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of intervertebral disks in horses, as well as diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for related conditions.
Intervertebral disc degeneration in warmblood horses: Histological and biochemical characterization. Gross morphology of healthy and degenerated intervertebral discs (IVDs) is largely similar in horses as in dogs and humans. For further comparison, the biochemical composition and the histological and biochemical changes with age and degeneration were analyzed in 41 warmblood horses. From 33 horses, 139 discs and 2 fetal vertebral columns were evaluated and scored histologically. From 13 horses, 73 IVDs were assessed for hydration, DNA, glycosaminoglycans, total collagen, hydroxyl-lysyl-pyridinoline, hydroxylysine, and advanced glycation end-product (AGE) content. From 7 horses, 20 discs were ...
Cervical disc width index is a reliable parameter and consistent in young growing Dutch Warmblood horses. Intervertebral disc disease, as well as the associated alteration of the radiographic intervertebral disc space width, has been reported in horses. Disc height index (DHI) has proven to be an accurate and objective parameter in other species but data related to this parameter are lacking in horses. Therefore, the aims of this retrospective longitudinal diagnostic accuracy study were (a) to evaluate the reliability of measurements within and between observers of the equine Disc Width Index (EDWI) as a parameter for radiographic equine cervical intervertebral disc space width, and (b) to evaluat...
Imaging features of discospondylitis in two horses. Two horses with discospondylitis are described with emphasis on the imaging modalities used and their contribution to the final diagnosis and outcome. Radiographic findings were vertebral endplate lysis with sclerosis in both horses, with additional vertebral subluxation and ventral spondylosis in one horse. Ultrasonographic findings included vertebral malalignment and obliteration of the intervertebral disc by spondylotic bone in one horse and irregular endplates, a widened disc space, a hypoechoic paravertebral abscess and hypoechoic, atrophic adjacent musculature with loss of linear fiber p...
Cauda equina syndrome, diskospondylitis, and a paravertebral abscess caused by Rhodococcus equi in a foal. A 4-month-old male Quarter Horse was referred for evaluation of urinary incontinence. Physical examination revealed clinical signs consistent with cauda equina syndrome. Radiography revealed diskospondylitis of S2 through S4. Infected bone was surgically curretted, and drainage was established for an associated paravertebral abscess. Rhodococcus equi was isolated from specimens of bone and from fluid samples obtained from the paravertebral abscess. Bethanechol was administered to stimulate urination. Erythromycin and rifampin were administered for 120 days. The foal's neurologic dysfunction re...