Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 4, 2026
Optical Sectioning and Visualization of the Intervertebral Disc from Embryonic Development to Degeneration
Published on: July 8, 2021
MRI signal changes and their association with intervertebral disc disease in canine vertebral endplates
Emma Deards1, Dylan N Clements1, Tobias Schwarz1
1The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and The Roslin Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Roslin, Midlothian, EH25 9RG Scotland, UK.
Background:
This study was undertaken to determine the relationship between intervertebral endplate changes and intervertebral disc disease. This study was designed as a cross-sectional, observational study. Two hundred thirteen canine MRI scans performed between 2007 and 2014 were retrieved from a digital image archive. Scans which included any sagittal sections of the vertebral column from C1 to S1 were assessed for morphological changes to the vertebral endplate.
Results:
There was found to be a significant association between vertebral endplate changes and intervertebral disc disease of the adjacent disc (P = 0.021). There was not found to be any significant association between dogs having vertebral endplate changes and having intervertebral disc disease (P = 0.38). There was found to be a highly significant association between discs with vertebral endplate changes on both associated vertebrae (bilateral) and having intervertebral disc disease (P = < 0.0001).
Conclusions:
The presence of endplate changes should alert the observer to closely examine the disc, as intervertebral disc disease is mildly more likely to occur adjacent to these changes.
