Intervertebral Disc Degeneration in Warmblood Horses: Morphology, Grading, and Distribution of Lesions

What is it about?

The gross morphology of the normal and degenerated equine intervertebral disc is described and a grading scheme to establish the severity of degeneration is given. Intervertebral disc degeneration in the horse is most common in the caudal neck region.

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Why is it important?

By knowing what a degenerated intervertebral disc looks like in the horse and by being able to grade its severity, this grading scheme can be used for future standardized research into the pathogenesis of equine IVDD, its effect on the vertebral column, and its relevance for the development of neurological conditions arising from diseases of the spinal column in horses.