The basis of disc degeneration is still unknown, but is believed to be a cell-mediated process. The observers' experience and the imaging method influenced DEBIT- evaluation only slightly, while training and working at different institutions influenced DEBIT-evaluation strongly. The largest variability was found in the evaluation of the bulged canine intervertebral disk. Comparison of imaging methods showed a fair to moderate agreement without statistically significant differences in evaluation.ĭEBIT-nomenclature cannot be recommended for veterinary clinical usage yet. A substantial intraobserver agreement was found, while interobserver agreement was fair to moderate with significant differences in evaluation. Magnetic resonance and computed tomographic images of 144 intervertebral disks of 43 dogs were evaluated by 3 observers with different degrees of experience from 2 institutions retrospectively.

The aim of this study was to test the reliability of the 'Disk extension beyond the interspace'-nomenclature in the evaluation of canine intervertebral disks via magnetic resonance and computed tomographic imaging. Therefore, we hypothesized that the 'Disk extension beyond the interspace'-nomenclature that describes the displacement by the disk contour might aid diagnosis. Canine intervertebral disk herniation can be differentiated into Hansen type 1 and 2 categories by clinical appearance, but anular- and nuclear disk material cannot be distinguished in computed tomographic images. Displacement of canine intervertebral disk material can be seen directly in diagnostic imaging modalities such as magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomographic imaging.

Bulged disk xray