2.1 Post-mortem Findings
Post-mortem examination was performed the day following euthanasia and
marked autolysis was noted. The articular facets of the vertebrae were
multifocally deformed, with irregularly contoured surfaces with areas of
collapse and fibrillation or roughening of the joint surfaces. The
underlying cartilage was often irregularly thickened and he was
diagnosed with vertebral osteochondrosis dessicans (OCD). The articular
facets at the level of the L4-L5 intervertebral joint were most severely
affected, with similar lesions at the L5-L6, L3-L4, and C1-C2
intervertebral joints. The spinal canal contained an increased amount of
reddish-yellow cerebrospinal fluid while the adipose tissue surrounding
the spinal cord appeared gelatinous around the cauda equina
presumptively from edema. Osteochondrosis dissecans was also found in
the intermediate ridges of the right and left tibias.