Fig. 1

Mean + standard deviation GAG and DNA content normalized for weight in the nucleus pulposus (NP) and annulus fibrosus (AF) per Pfirrmann grade (a, b) and per herniation (c, d). a. GAG/weight levels were significantly higher in the AF compared with the NP in grade IV + V samples. b. DNA/weight was significantly lower in the NP of grade II samples compared with grade IV + V. c and d. Normalized GAG and DNA levels did not significantly differ between herniation groups. No significant differences were shown between dog (CD/NCD) or treatment (no treatment, NSAID < 1 wk, NSAID > 1 wk, corticosteroids (cort) < 1 wk, cort > 1 wk, other) groups, hence these groups are not shown separately. ** Indicate significant difference at a 99 % confidence level