Fig. 2From: Degenerative changes of the canine cervical spine after discectomy procedures, an in vivo studySagittal T2 weighted MR images of the lower cervical spine. Right side of each slide is dorsal (D) a Red arrows point to the intervertebral discs between the vertebral bodies (VB) which are ventral to the spinal canal (SC). Healthy control discs at C6/C7 demonstrate a bright hyperintense, homogenous NP. The hyperintensity indicates normal NP tissue hydration. There is a clear border to the hypointense AF without loss of disc height. The endplates are hypointense. In contrast, the discectomy segment C5/C6 shows a black disc sign. There is complete loss of nuclear hyperintensity. The disc space is collapsed. The endplates (yellow arrow) are hyperintense which is indicative of type II Modic degenerative changes. b Different specimen. Yellow arrows point to disc space. Red arrow points to extruded disc at the discectomy segment. There is no significant spinal cord compression present. c Lateral view to the neuroforamen (marked by yellow ellipse). The C5/C6 discectomy segment shows a narrower foramen compared to the healthy C6/C7 segment. However, the nerve root (hypointense structure within foramen) appears not to be compressed at the discectomy segmentBack to article page