1
|
Moses WB, Moses IA, Moses EA, Moses PA. Prevalence and classification of congenital thoracic vertebral body abnormalities in neurologically normal brachycephalic 'screw-tail' dog breeds in referral practice in Australia. Aust Vet J 2024. [PMID: 39032038 DOI: 10.1111/avj.13361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/22/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the prevalence, type, site and breed predisposition of thoracic congenital vertebral malformations (CVM) in neurologically normal brachycephalic 'screw-tail' dog breeds. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective case series. ANIMALS Neurologically normal French Bulldogs (n = 63), British Bulldogs (n = 42), Boston Terriers (n = 4) and Pugs (n = 86) presenting for brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome treatment. METHODS Either a plain computer tomography scan of the thorax or lateral and dorso-ventral digital radiographs of the thoracic vertebral column of each dog were assessed for any vertebral malformations and classed according to the Modified McMaster vertebral abnormality classification scheme proposed by Guiterrez et al. RESULTS: The prevalence of dogs with one or more abnormal vertebrae was 96.82% in French Bulldogs, 90.47% in British Bulldogs, and 76.74% in Pugs. Pugs had significantly lower instances of CVMs than French Bulldogs. The four Boston Terriers all had vertebral malformations, but the results were not considered to be statistically significant due to their small sample size. In French Bulldogs and British Bulldogs, ventral hypoplasia (Type 3) occurred at greater rates than all other types, followed by ventral and median hypoplasia (Types 7) and symmetrical hypoplasia (Type 8). In Pugs, symmetrical hypoplasia (Type 8) was the most common and then ventral hypoplasia (Type 3). The most affected vertebrae were T6-T9 in Pugs and T5-T10 in French Bulldogs and British Bulldogs. CONCLUSIONS The majority of neurologically normal brachycephalic 'screw-tail' dogs assessed in this paper possessed one or more congenital thoracic vertebral malformations. Dogs with vertebral malformations were found to be more likely to have more than one affected vertebra. Sex had no effect on the prevalence of CVM. CLINICAL RELEVANCE A substantial number of neurologically normal brachycephalic 'screw-tail' dogs suffer from congenital vertebral malformations. Thus, the need for selective breeding programmes to eliminate this hereditary condition is crucial.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- W B Moses
- Judhar Veterinary group, Hawthorne, Queensland, Australia
| | - I A Moses
- Ocean State Veterinary Specialists, East Greenwich, Rhode Island, USA
| | - E A Moses
- School of Psychology, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - P A Moses
- Veterinary Specialist Services, Jindalee, Queensland, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Capasso M, Canal S, Balducci F. Prevalence of neurological diseases associated with cervical pain and/or signs of cervical myelopathy in French bulldogs: a retrospective analysis of 105 cases. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1431358. [PMID: 39021406 PMCID: PMC11252003 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1431358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction French bulldogs can be affected by several neurological diseases, with myelopathies representing the most frequent cause of neurological signs. Studies focusing on the epidemiology of cervical diseases in this breed are lacking. This study aims to describe the prevalence of neurological pathologies responsible for cervical pain and/or signs of cervical myelopathy, assuming that intervertebral disc herniation represents the most common disease; a second aim was to evaluate how often different pathologies coexist in this spinal region in French bulldogs. Materials and methods A retrospective analysis of medical records from the database of a single referral center (AniCura I Portoni Rossi Veterinary Hospital-Zola Predosa, Bologna, Italy) was performed, including French bulldogs presented for neck pain and/or neurological deficits consistent with cervical myelopathy. Clinical and imaging data were reviewed and used as inclusion criteria. Based on the number of MRI-diagnosed diseases, the eligible dogs were divided into three groups. Results One hundred five French bulldogs met the inclusion criteria. The most commonly diagnosed condition was an intervertebral disc herniation (66.9%), followed by C2 idiopathic hypertrophic ganglioneuritis (15.1%), cervical syringomyelia (11.5%), congenital osseous malformations (1.4%), spinal arachnoid diverticula (1.4%), neoplasms (1.4%), steroid-responsive meningitis-arteritis (0.7%), traumatic vertebral fractures (0.7%), and other (0.7%). For the vast majority of dogs (75/105) a single pathology was diagnosed, with intervertebral disc herniations accounting for 86.7% of cases, involving C3-C4 IVD most commonly. In the remaining 30 dogs, two or three different and concurrent diseases were detected. Among these 30 dogs, intervertebral disc herniations still remained the most diagnosed condition, in combination with C2 idiopathic hypertrophic ganglioneuritis and syringomyelia in 19 and seven cases, respectively. Conclusion The results of this study highlight that different pathologies can affect the cervical spinal cord in French bulldogs, with intervertebral disc herniations representing the most frequent condition, as previously described in the veterinary literature. In almost a third of cases, different pathologies can coexist at the cervical level. However, for cases in which different pathologies are present at the same time, it is not always possible to clearly establish their clinical significance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michele Capasso
- Anicura I Portoni Rossi Veterinary Hospital, Zola Predosa, Bologna, Italy
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Estevam MV, Toniollo GH, Apparicio M. The most common congenital malformations in dogs: Literature review and practical guide. Res Vet Sci 2024; 171:105230. [PMID: 38492280 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2024.105230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
Congenital malformations can affect almost 7% of canine newborns. The increase of commercial dog breeding and inbreeding used to maintain the striking characteristics of each breed, the appearance of malformations has become increasingly common, especially in brachycephalic dogs. The causes are diverse, and include genetic, nutritional, iatrogenic, and infectious factors, often making it difficult to establish a cause-consequence relationship. The high mortality associated with malformations comes not only from the fact that some are incompatible with life, but also because even if many undergo surgical treatment or correction, they require specific management, monitoring, and clinical treatment for an indefinite period of time. The most common malformations such as cleft lip and palate, hydrocephalus and anasarca have been studied for a long time, and it is currently known that brachycephalic dogs have a greater predisposition, however, for other less common conditions as gastroschisis and hypospadias, there is only a few case reports. The appearance of congenital defects in a litter leads to financial losses for the breeder, emotional losses for the owner and the veterinarian and harms the well-being of that individual. For this reason, the aim of this review article is to gather relevant information on the characteristics, diagnosis, and management of the main malformations in puppies. It is essential that the veterinarian is prepared to diagnose and treat these conditions, reducing negative impacts on animals and owners.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marina Vilela Estevam
- Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, São Paulo State University - FCAV Unesp, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - Gilson Helio Toniollo
- Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, São Paulo State University - FCAV Unesp, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - Maricy Apparicio
- Department of Veterinary Surgery and Animal Reproduction, São Paulo State University - FMVZ Unesp, Botucatu, SP, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Covasa CT. Transitional, fused and/or supernumerary vertebrae in the lumbosacrocaudal region of the spine - A reality in many domestic mammals. VET MED-CZECH 2024; 69:156-168. [PMID: 38841130 PMCID: PMC11148713 DOI: 10.17221/102/2023-vetmed] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to identify the presence of transitional lumbosacral and sacrocaudal vertebrae in domestic mammals, to realise a comparative analysis of the localisation and conformation of this abnormal condition. The research included the following species: cattle - 29 specimens, sheep - 32 specimens, horse - 31 specimens, pig - 26 specimens, rabbit - 33 specimens, dog - 89 specimens and cat - 57 specimens. The spine of the animals was analysed post-mortem or radiologically. The investigations revealed the presence of transitional vertebrae as follows: in cattle - 3 cases (8.7%), all being about the lumbarisation of the first sacral vertebra (S1); in sheep - 3 cases (9.37%), two lumbarisation cases of S1 and one caudalisation of S4 (the last sacral vertebra); in horses - 4 cases (12.9%), all about the sacralisation of Cd1 (first caudal vertebra); in pigs - 3 cases (11.53%), two lumbarisation cases of S1 and one sacralisation of Cd1; in rabbits - 3 cases (9.09%), a lumbar supernumerary vertebra (L8) and two cases of caudalisation of S4; in dogs - 4 cases (4.49%), a lumbar supernumerary vertebra (L8) and 3 cases of sacralisation of the last lumbar vertebra (L7 or L8); in cats - 3 cases (5.26%), two sacralisation cases of the last lumbar vertebra and one case of caudalisation of the last sacral vertebra (S3). A strong lumbarisation process was observed in ruminants (especially in cattle), then in pigs, the sacralisation being prevalent in carnivores. The sacrocaudal transitional vertebra was predominant in horses. No evident influence of the sex and age of the animals was observed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Costica Toader Covasa
- Department of Preclinics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences, Iasi, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Violini F, Elford JH, Cardy TJA, Oxley B, Craig A, Behr S. Clinical outcomes of 20 brachycephalic dogs with thoracolumbar spinal deformities causing neurological signs treated with spinal stabilization using 3D-printed patient-specific drill guides. Vet Surg 2024; 53:648-658. [PMID: 38532254 DOI: 10.1111/vsu.14078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the clinical outcomes for pugs and French bulldogs with congenital vertebral malformations, undergoing thoracolumbar spinal stabilization surgery using 3D-printed patient-specific drill guides. To evaluate the accuracy of pedicle screw placement in this group of dogs. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective descriptive study. ANIMALS Twenty dogs (12 pugs and eight French bulldogs). METHODS Medical records searched between August 2018 and March 2021 for pugs and French bulldogs diagnosed with congenital vertebral abnormalities via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan and computed tomography (CT) scan causing T3-L3 myelopathy signs that underwent spinal stabilization surgery using 3D-printed patient-specific drill guides followed by a postoperative CT scan. The short-term outcome was based on the neurological grade (modified Frankel score-MFS) on the day after surgery, day of discharge, and at the follow-up examination at 4 to 6 weeks after surgery. The mid-term outcome was obtained via an online questionnaire (or direct examination in one case). RESULTS Twenty dogs met the inclusion criteria (19/20 grade 2 MFS, 1/20 grade 4 MFS). No complications were reported in the immediate postoperative period and optimal pedicle screw placement was obtained in 169/201 of screws. Twenty-four hours after surgery 16/20 dogs displayed an unchanged neurological grade. Short-term outcomes revealed a static (17/20) or improved (2/20) neurological grade. Ten owners participated in the online questionnaire. All patients were reported to be ambulatory; however, 7/10 dogs displayed abnormal gait. Neurological signs had remained static (6/10) or improved (3/10) in comparison with the dogs' preoperative status at a median of 883.5 days from the surgery. CONCLUSION Dogs in this study had a favorable short-term outcome and mid-term outcome evaluation revealed a static/improved neurological status. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Thoracolumbar spinal stabilization surgery using 3D-printed patient-specific drill guides showed a favorable outcome in brachycephalic breeds affected by vertebral deformities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Violini
- Willows Veterinary Centre and Referral Service (part of Linnaeus Veterinary Limited), Solihull, UK
| | - James H Elford
- Willows Veterinary Centre and Referral Service (part of Linnaeus Veterinary Limited), Solihull, UK
| | - Thomas J A Cardy
- Cave Veterinary Specialists (part of Linnaeus Veterinary Limited), Somerset, UK
| | | | - Andrew Craig
- North Downs Specialist Referrals, Bletchingley, UK
| | - Sebastien Behr
- Willows Veterinary Centre and Referral Service (part of Linnaeus Veterinary Limited), Solihull, UK
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
De Decker S, Rohdin C, Gutierrez-Quintana R. Vertebral and spinal malformations in small brachycephalic dog breeds: Current knowledge and remaining questions. Vet J 2024; 304:106095. [PMID: 38458418 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2024.106095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
Small brachycephalic dog breeds, such as the French bulldog, English bulldog and pug have become increasingly popular. These breeds are predisposed to a variety of vertebral and spinal malformations, including hemivertebra, caudal articular process dysplasia, transitional vertebra, cranial thoracic vertebral canal stenosis, spinal arachnoid diverticulum and meningeal fibrosis. Recent studies have provided new insights into the prevalence, anatomical characteristics, pathophysiology and treatment of these conditions. Thoracic hemivertebra, caudal articular process dysplasia, transitional vertebra, and cranial thoracic vertebral canal stenosis occur commonly in neurologically normal dogs. Although the clinical relevance of these vertebral anomalies has therefore been questioned, severe kyphosis and hemivertebra in pugs have been associated with an increased likelihood of neurological signs. Meningeal fibrosis is characterised by the formation of dense intradural fibrotic adhesions, constricting the spinal cord. This condition has been heavily associated with the pug breed. It is in pugs further common to observe multiple concurrent spinal disorder in association with chronic progressive pelvic limb gait abnormalities. This clinical presentation has been referred to as 'pug dog thoracolumbar myelopathy' and potential genetic risk factors have recently been identified. Despite our increased knowledge, many questions remain currently unanswered. This review discusses our current understanding and controversies surrounding vertebral and spinal malformations in small brachycephalic dog breeds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Steven De Decker
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hatfield AL9 7TA, UK.
| | - Cecilia Rohdin
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, University Animal Hospital, Uppsala 75007, Sweden; Anicura Albano Small Animal Hospital, Danderyd 18236, Sweden
| | - Rodrigo Gutierrez-Quintana
- School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Nalley TK, Scott JE, McGechie F, Grider-Potter N. Comparative ontogeny of functional aspects of human cervical vertebrae. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2024; 183:e24788. [PMID: 37283367 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.24788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Differences between adult humans and great apes in cervical vertebral morphology are well documented, but the ontogeny of this variation is still largely unexplored. This study examines patterns of growth in functionally relevant features of C1, C2, C4, and C6 in extant humans and apes to understand the development of their disparate morphologies. MATERIALS AND METHODS Linear and angular measurements were taken from 530 cervical vertebrae representing 146 individual humans, chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans. Specimens were divided into three age-categories based on dental eruption: juvenile, adolescent, and adult. Inter- and intraspecific comparisons were evaluated using resampling methods. RESULTS Of the eighteen variables examined here, seven distinguish humans from apes at the adult stage. Human-ape differences in features related to atlantoaxial joint function tend to be established by the juvenile stage, whereas differences in features related to the nuchal musculature and movement of the subaxial elements do not fully emerge until adolescence or later. The orientation of the odontoid process-often cited as a feature that distinguishes humans from apes-is similar in adult humans and adult chimpanzees, but the developmental patterns are distinct, with human adultlike morphology being achieved much earlier. DISCUSSION The biomechanical consequences of the variation observed here is poorly understood. Whether the differences in growth patterns represent functional links to cranial development or postural changes, or both, requires additional investigation. Determining when humanlike ontogenetic patterns evolved in hominins may provide insight into the functional basis driving the morphological divergence between extant humans and apes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thierra K Nalley
- Medical Anatomical Sciences Department, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California, USA
| | - Jeremiah E Scott
- Medical Anatomical Sciences Department, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California, USA
| | - Faye McGechie
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Neysa Grider-Potter
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
- Southwest National Primate Research Center, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Berg JA, Sævik BK, Lingaas F, Trangerud C. Lumbosacral transitional vertebra in 14 dog breeds in Norway: Occurrence, risk factors and association with hip dysplasia. Vet J 2024; 303:106056. [PMID: 38092176 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2023.106056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
A lumbosacral transitional vertebra (LTV) is a congenital anomaly of the spine and has been suggested to predispose to canine hip dysplasia (CHD). This retrospective, cross-sectional study investigated the prevalence of LTV and CHD among 14 dog breeds in Norway, the possible associations with risk factors, and whether LTV was a risk factor for the development of hip dysplasia. The results were based on evaluation of ventrodorsal radiographs from the CHD screening program from the Norwegian Kennel Club from February 2014 to January 2022. A total of 13,950 dogs were included in the study. For statistical analysis, CHD grades were reclassified from the official Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) grades into three grades: CHD free (CHD=A, B), CHD mild (CHD=C), and CHD severe (CHD=D, E). In the study sample, the overall occurrence of LTV was 18.5%, of which 32.9% were type 1, 45.7% type 2% and 21.4% type 3. The occurrence of LTV varied significantly among the included breeds, ranging from 9.5% to 46.2%. There was no association between sex and LTV. The frequencies of CHD grades were A: 43.1%; B: 31.4%; C: 18.4%; D: 6.0%; E: 1.1%. There was a statistically significant association with mild and severe CHD in dogs with LTV type 2 and LTV type 3 (P< 0.001). In the population studied, the prevalence of LTV was different among breeds. This supports initial data on the heredity of LTV and the diverse occurrence of LTV among breeds. Our results indicate that LTV type 2 and type 3 are associated with mild and severe CHD development. Therefore, this study has potentially identified an additional risk factor for the development of hip dysplasia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J A Berg
- Department of Preclinical Sciences and Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway; AniCura Jeløy Dyresykehus, Varnaveien 43d, 1526 Moss, Norway.
| | - B K Sævik
- AniCura Jeløy Dyresykehus, Varnaveien 43d, 1526 Moss, Norway
| | - F Lingaas
- Department of Preclinical Sciences and Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
| | - C Trangerud
- Department of Companion Animal Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway; Veterinærradiologene AS, Skytta terrasse 2, 1481 Hagan, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Marc S, Savici J, Sicoe B, Boldura OM, Paul C, Otavă G. Exencephaly-Anencephaly Sequence Associated with Maxillary Brachygnathia, Spinal Defects, and Palatoschisis in a Male Domestic Cat. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3882. [PMID: 38136919 PMCID: PMC10741185 DOI: 10.3390/ani13243882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Anencephaly, a severe neural tube defect characterized by the absence of major parts of the brain and skull, is a rare congenital disorder that has been observed in various species, including cats. Considering the uncommon appearance of anencephaly, this paper aims to present anencephaly in a stillborn male kitten from an accidental inbreeding using various paraclinical methods. Histological examination of tissue samples from the cranial region, where parts of the skull were absent, revealed the presence of atypical nerve tissue with neurons and glial cells organized in clusters, surrounded by an extracellular matrix and with an abundance of blood vessels, which are large, dilated, and filled with blood, not characteristic of nerve tissue structure. In CT scans, the caudal part of the frontal bone, the fronto-temporal limits, and the parietal bone were observed to be missing. CT also revealed that the dorsal tubercle of the atlas, the dorsal neural arch, and the spinal process of the C2-C7 bones were missing. In conclusion, the kitten was affected by multiple congenital malformations, a combination of exencephaly-anencephaly, maxillary brachygnathism, closed cranial spina bifida at the level of cervical vertebrae, kyphoscoliosis, palatoschisis, and partial intestinal atresia. The importance of employing imaging techniques cannot be overstated when it comes to the accurate diagnosis of neural tube defects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simona Marc
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences “King Mihai I” from Timisoara, Calea Aradului 119, 300645 Timisoara, Romania; (S.M.); (J.S.); (B.S.); (O.M.B.); (G.O.)
| | - Jelena Savici
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences “King Mihai I” from Timisoara, Calea Aradului 119, 300645 Timisoara, Romania; (S.M.); (J.S.); (B.S.); (O.M.B.); (G.O.)
| | - Bogdan Sicoe
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences “King Mihai I” from Timisoara, Calea Aradului 119, 300645 Timisoara, Romania; (S.M.); (J.S.); (B.S.); (O.M.B.); (G.O.)
| | - Oana Maria Boldura
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences “King Mihai I” from Timisoara, Calea Aradului 119, 300645 Timisoara, Romania; (S.M.); (J.S.); (B.S.); (O.M.B.); (G.O.)
| | - Cristina Paul
- Department of Applied Chemistry and Engineering of Organic and Natural Compounds, Faculty of Industrial Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Politehnica University Timisoara, Carol Telbisz 6, 300001 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Gabriel Otavă
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences “King Mihai I” from Timisoara, Calea Aradului 119, 300645 Timisoara, Romania; (S.M.); (J.S.); (B.S.); (O.M.B.); (G.O.)
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Lecourtois C, Baudin-Tréhiou C, Blond L. Lumbosacral endplate contour defect is frequently observed concurrent with other lumbosacral abnormalities on spinal CT of French Bulldogs. Vet Radiol Ultrasound 2023; 64:813-822. [PMID: 37366604 DOI: 10.1111/vru.13271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Lumbosacral osteochondrosis has been previously described in large breed dogs with variable clinical signs. Its CT features are a contour defect at the dorsal aspect of either vertebral endplate, commonly with an adjacent fragment. Descriptions of this condition have not been previously published in an increasingly popular breed, French Bulldogs. Aims of this retrospective, descriptive, single center study were to evaluate CT lumbosacral abnormalities and the frequency of lumbosacral endplate contour defect in a large sample of French Bulldogs. The presence and location of lumbosacral endplate contour defect and the presence of a concurrent osseous fragment were recorded. Other abnormal CT findings such as L7-S1 disc herniation, cauda equina nerve roots compression or thickening, disc mineralization, endplate sclerosis, spondylosis deformans, S1 articular processes hypertrophy, transitional vertebrae, hemivertebrae, spina bifida, and block vertebrae were recorded. Lumbosacral CT abnormalities were present in 91.8% of dogs (168/183). The most common abnormality was an L7-S1 dorsal disc herniation (77.4%, 130/168). Among dogs with lumbosacral abnormalities, the frequency of a lumbosacral endplate contour defect was 47% (79/168). It mostly involved L7 (78.5%, 62/79) at its dorsolateral aspect (61.3%, 38/62). A mineralized fragment was identified in 62% of the defects (49/79). Endplate contour defects were most frequently seen with a concurrent disc herniation (93.7%, 74/79) causing nerve root compression in 63.3% (50/79) and with sclerosis (65.8%, 52/79). There was no definitive evidence of a relationship with clinical presentation in this sample of French Bulldogs; therefore, this finding should be interpreted with caution. The etiology remains unclear.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Camille Lecourtois
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Centre Hospitalier Vétérinaire Languedocia, Montpellier, France
| | - Clément Baudin-Tréhiou
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Centre Hospitalier Vétérinaire Languedocia, Montpellier, France
| | - Laurent Blond
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Centre Hospitalier Vétérinaire Languedocia, Montpellier, France
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Dell'Apa D, Fumeo M, Volta A, Bernardini M, Fidanzio F, Buffagni V, Christen M, Jagannathan V, Leeb T, Bianchi E. Case report: Sacral agenesis in two boxer dogs: clinical presentation, diagnostic investigations, and outcome. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1201484. [PMID: 37303726 PMCID: PMC10248164 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1201484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Two boxer dogs from the same litter were presented at 3 months of age for urinary and fecal incontinence. Both dogs had an abnormal tail consisting of a small stump, an atonic anal sphincter, and absent perineal reflex and sensation. Neurological evaluation was indicative of a lesion of the cauda equina or sacral spinal cord. Radiology and CT scan of the spine displayed similar findings in the two dogs that were indicative of sacral agenesis. Indeed, they had 6 lumbar vertebrae followed by a lumbosacral transitional vertebra, lacking a complete spinous process, and a hypoplastic vertebra carrying 2 hypoplastic sacral transverse processes as the only remnant of the sacral bone. Caudal vertebrae were absent in one of the dogs. On MRI, one dog had a dural sac occupying the entire spinal canal and ending in a subfascial fat structure. In the other dog, the dural sac finished in an extracanalar, subfascial, well-defined cystic structure, communicating with the subarachnoid space, and consistent with a meningocele. Sacral agenesis-that is the partial or complete absence of the sacral bones-is a neural tube defect occasionally reported in humans with spina bifida occulta. Sacral agenesis has been described in human and veterinary medicine in association with conditions such as caudal regression syndrome, perosomus elumbis, and Currarino syndrome. These neural tube defects are caused by genetic and/or environmental factors. Despite thorough genetic investigation, no candidate variants in genes with known functional impact on bone development or sacral development could be found in the affected dogs. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first report describing similar sacral agenesis in two related boxer dogs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diletta Dell'Apa
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Martina Fumeo
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Antonella Volta
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Marco Bernardini
- Neurodiagnostic Unit, Anicura Portoni Rossi Veterinary Hospital, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, Clinical Section, University of Padua, Legnaro, Italy
| | | | | | - Matthias Christen
- Vetsuisse Faculty, Institute of Genetics, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Vidhya Jagannathan
- Vetsuisse Faculty, Institute of Genetics, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Tosso Leeb
- Vetsuisse Faculty, Institute of Genetics, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Ezio Bianchi
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Lopes BA, Ives EJ, José-López R, Gutierrez-Quintana R, Abouzeid J, Freeman P, Redondo JI, Sánchez-Masián D. Cranial thoracic myelopathies (T1-T6 vertebrae): Retrospective evaluation of the signalment, clinical presentation, and, presumptive or final diagnoses in 84 dogs. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:960912. [PMID: 36172605 PMCID: PMC9510707 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.960912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the study was to describe the signalment, clinical presentation and presumptive or final diagnoses of dogs with cranial thoracic spinal cord lesions identified on advanced imaging. Retrospective evaluation of the databases of three veterinary specialty centres, between 2009 and 2021, was performed to identify dogs with a lesion affecting the cranial thoracic vertebral column (T1-T6 vertebrae) as the primary cause for presenting signs of myelopathy and/or spinal pain. Eighty-four dogs were included in the study, with the majority (n = 76) presenting with a progressive history of over 4-weeks' duration. On neurologic examination, most dogs were ambulatory (n = 64), and the most common neuroanatomic localisation was the T3-L3 spinal cord segments (n = 63). Twelve dogs (14%) showed a short-strided thoracic limb gait on clinical examination. The most common diagnosis was neoplasia (n = 33), followed by anomalies (n = 22, including vertebral body malformations in 14 dogs) and degenerative disorders (n = 16, with intervertebral disc protrusion diagnosed in 9 dogs). The most common vertebrae affected were T3 and T5. Most dogs with degenerative conditions showed asymmetric clinical signs, and the majority of dogs with neoplasia showed signs of spinal hyperaesthesia on examination. The findings of this study describe the clinical signs and presumptive or final diagnoses associated with lesions affecting the cranial thoracic spinal cord. When combined with the signalment and clinical history, this information can assist in both the recognition of and problem-based approach to these cases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bruno A. Lopes
- Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists, Part of Linnaeus Veterinary Limited, Hursley, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Bruno A. Lopes
| | - Edward J. Ives
- Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists, Part of Linnaeus Veterinary Limited, Hursley, United Kingdom
| | - Roberto José-López
- School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Rodrigo Gutierrez-Quintana
- School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Jad Abouzeid
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Freeman
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - José Ignacio Redondo
- Departamento de Medicina y Cirugía Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain
| | - Daniel Sánchez-Masián
- Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists, Part of Linnaeus Veterinary Limited, Hursley, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Wiegel PS, Mach R, Nolte I, Freise F, Levicar C, Merhof K, Bach JP. Breed-specific values for vertebral heart score (VHS), vertebral left atrial size (VLAS), and radiographic left atrial dimension (RLAD) in pugs without cardiac disease, and their relationship to Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS). PLoS One 2022; 17:e0274085. [PMID: 36054125 PMCID: PMC9439199 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0274085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
This prospective study aims to establish reference ranges for vertebral heart score (VHS), vertebral left atrial size (VLAS), and radiographic left atrial dimension (RLAD) in pugs. The impact of clinical severity of Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS), gender, body condition score, and body weight on VHS, VLAS, and RLAD were investigated. Intra- and interobserver correlation was determined. Correlation of radiographic scores to echocardiographic left atrial dimension was inspected. Additionally, for VLAS and RLAD, correlation to VHS was examined. Additionally, an assessment of thoracic and vertebral malformations was performed. Forty-seven privately owned pugs underwent physical examination, echocardiography, and thoracic radiography to determine cardiac health. Thirty-two pugs were eligible for establishing reference ranges for VHS in right lateral radiographs, which was 11.25 ± 0.62 (95% range, 10.1–12.8). Reference ranges for VHS in left lateral, and for VLAS and RLAD in right lateral radiograph were determined in 30 pugs. The VHS in left lateral radiograph was 11.01 ± 0.70 (95% range, 9.4–12.6), VLAS was 1.96 ± 0.38 (95% range, 1.1–2.8), and RLAD was 1.59 ± 0.34 (95% range, 0.7–2.4). Clinical severity of BOAS did not show any impact on radiographic measurements. For VLAS, a significant correlation to VHS was detected by all observers. No other variables had a consistent influence on the radiographic scores given by all observers. Interobserver agreement was almost perfect for VHS (0.89 on right lateral and 0.91 on left lateral image), moderate for VLAS (0.49), and fair for RLAD (0.22). More than one third of the entire study population (18 of 47 pugs) showed at least one thoracic cavity or spine abnormality, often leading to considerable changes in vertebral body shape and size.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pia Saskia Wiegel
- Clinic for Small Animals, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Rebekka Mach
- Clinic for Small Animals, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Ingo Nolte
- Clinic for Small Animals, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Fritjof Freise
- Institute for Biometry, Epidemiology and Information Processing, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Charanthorn Levicar
- Clinic for Small Animals, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Kristina Merhof
- Clinic for Small Animals, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jan-Peter Bach
- Clinic for Small Animals, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Are the Variations of the Vascular System in Neurology Underestimated ? FOLIA VETERINARIA 2022. [DOI: 10.2478/fv-2022-0030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
The spinal cord issues affect dogs and cats very commonly. The right diagnostics, therapy, and patient’s managements are challenging for almost all veterinarians. There exist many vascular anomalies such as: the vertebral arteries ectasia, hypoplasia and subclavian steal syndrome. These anomalies affect the patient’s neurological status directly. The modern diagnostic approaches (Computed Tomography [CT], and Magnetic Resonance Imaging [MRI]) help with the diagnosis of the vascular abnormalities of the spinal cord and various other vascular anomalies. The cervical part of the spinal cord is supplied with the spinal branches from the vertebral arteries. The vertebral arteries as the first branches arise separately from the subclavian artery and they exit the thoracic aperture and enter into the transverse foramen of the sixth cervical vertebra. The arterial system of dogs was studied in 14 dogs (carcasses), the average age of which was 7 years. The carcasses were divided into two groups: 11 dogs were studied by the corrosion casting method (Duracryl Plus) and 3 dogs were studied by contrast radiography (Urografin 76 %). We confirmed the standard origin and course of the left vertebral for all but one case. The right vertebral artery originated as an independent branch in 57.14 % of the cases; in the rest of them, we reported on the variability in origin and formation of inconstant branches. The formation of anastomoses was reported also. Our work contributed new information about the thoracic and cervical arterial system in dogs.
Collapse
|
15
|
Vertebral anomalies in a natural population of Taricha granulosa (Caudata: Salamandridae). ZOOMORPHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s00435-022-00559-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
AbstractDevelopmental plasticity, a common pattern in lissamphibian evolution, results in numerous alternative morphologies among species and also within populations. In the present study, a natural population of the salamander Taricha granulosa (Salamandridae) was examined to detect variation in the vertebral count and to identify potential deformities of their vertebral column. The number of trunk vertebrae varied between 11 and 13 and we recorded 58 individuals with 69 anomalous vertebral elements. These anomalies range from congenital malformations (block vertebrae, unilateral bars, hemivertebrae), extra ossifications in the haemal region, to posttraumatic pathologies. Most osseous pathologies were encountered in the caudal region of the axial skeleton. Our data suggest a high frequency of vertebral malformations in salamanders; however, the identification of the exact causes remains challenging.
Collapse
|
16
|
Santifort KM, Gutierrez-Quintana R, Bernardini M, Kortz GD, Gomes SA, Lowrie M, De Decker S, Glass EN, Bergknut N. Vertebral vascular canal dysplasia in French and English Bulldogs: Clinical, CT, and MRI characteristics and prevalence. Vet Radiol Ultrasound 2022; 63:281-291. [PMID: 35199424 DOI: 10.1111/vru.13067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The authors have observed a vertebral anomaly in French and English Bulldogs and termed this anomaly "vertebral vascular canal dysplasia (VVCD)." No previously published descriptions of this anomaly were found. The aims of this retrospective, multi-institutional, observational study were to (1) describe the clinical, CT, and MRI characteristics of VVCD, and (2) estimate the prevalence and describe the characteristics of VVCD in a group of French and English Bulldogs. For descriptions of the anomaly, medical records and imaging studies of nine clinical cases with VVCD from several countries were reviewed. For estimation of prevalence, imaging studies of French and English Bulldogs from the United Kingdom (UK) and Italy were reviewed. All clinical case dogs had ≥5 thoracic vertebrae with VVCD affecting >50% of vertebral body height (VBH). The prevalence of VVCD involving ≥1 thoracic vertebra in the UK population (CT identified) of English Bulldogs and French Bulldogs was, respectively, 83.3% (30/36) and 68.3% (28/41). English Bulldogs had significantly more thoracic vertebrae with VVCD than French Bulldogs (P = < 0.01). The prevalence of VVCD in ≥1 thoracic vertebra in the Italian population (MRI identified) of English Bulldogs and French Bulldogs was, respectively, 21.7% (5/23) and 6.6% (7/106). Vertebral vascular canal dysplasia was observed in normal as well as in malformed vertebrae (e.g., hemivertebrae). Findings from the current study introduced descriptions of VVCD that can be used as background for future studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Koen M Santifort
- Evidensia Small Animal Hospital 'Hart van Brabant' and Arnhem, Waalwijk and Arnhem, The Netherlands.,Evidensia Small Animal Hospital Arnhem, Arnhem, The Netherlands
| | - Rodrigo Gutierrez-Quintana
- School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Marco Bernardini
- AniCura Veterinary Hospital 'Portoni Rossi', Zola Predosa, Bologna, Italy.,Department of Animal Medicine, Productions and Health, University of Padua, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Gregg D Kortz
- VCA Sacramento Veterinary Referral Center, Sacramento, California, USA
| | | | | | - Steven De Decker
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hatfield, UK
| | - Eric N Glass
- Section of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Red Bank Veterinary Hospital, Tinton Falls, New Jersey, USA
| | - Niklas Bergknut
- Evidensia Small Animal Hospital 'Hart van Brabant' and Arnhem, Waalwijk and Arnhem, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Takahashi K, Kimura S, Chambers JK, Nakano Y, Ishikawa T, Maeda S, Kamishina H. Case Report: Surgical Treatment of Type IV Spinal Dermoid Sinus in a Shiba Inu. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:849025. [PMID: 35400090 PMCID: PMC8985408 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.849025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A 2-year-old spayed female Shiba Inu was presented with progressive non-ambulatory bilateral paraparesis, back pain, and urinary incontinence. CT and MRI revealed multiple vertebral malformations and type IV dermoid sinus. Hemilaminectomy was performed in T1–T5 to remove the dermoid sinus and granulomatous lesion that infiltrated into the spinal cord parenchyma. Histopathological examination of the excised tissue revealed type IV dermoid sinus with granulomatous meningomyelitis. After surgery, back pain was resolved, and the dog recovered ambulation and voluntary urination at the time of follow-up 4 months after surgery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kaho Takahashi
- Joint Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Shintaro Kimura
- The United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
- The Animal Medical Center of Gifu University, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
| | - James K. Chambers
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yukiko Nakano
- The Animal Medical Center of Gifu University, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
| | | | - Sadatoshi Maeda
- Joint Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
- The United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
- The Animal Medical Center of Gifu University, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Kamishina
- Joint Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
- The United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
- The Animal Medical Center of Gifu University, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
- *Correspondence: Hiroaki Kamishina
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Korim F, Kuricová M, Lipták T, Vilhanová Z, Eberlová L. Anomaly of the sixth cervical vertebra accompanied with atypical course of the vertebral artery in a dog. VETERINARY RECORD CASE REPORTS 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/vrc2.305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Filip Korim
- Equine Clinic University Veterinary Hospital University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice Košice Slovak Republic
| | - Mária Kuricová
- Small Animal Clinic University Veterinary Hospital University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice Košice Slovak Republic
| | - Tomáš Lipták
- Small Animal Clinic University Veterinary Hospital University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice Košice Slovak Republic
| | - Zuzana Vilhanová
- Equine Clinic University Veterinary Hospital University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice Košice Slovak Republic
| | - Lada Eberlová
- Department of Anatomy Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen Charles University Pilsen Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Kimura S, Nakata K, Nakano Y, Nozue Y, Konno N, Sugawara T, Maeda S, Kamishina H. Case Report: Spinal Stabilization Surgery Using a Novel Custom-Made Titanium Fixation System for the Spinal Instability Caused by Vertebral Malformation in a Dog. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:755572. [PMID: 34859088 PMCID: PMC8631319 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.755572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A 2-year-old Maltese was presented with wobbly gait of the pelvic limbs. Based on imaging examinations, a diagnosis of congenital malformation at T5–T8 and severe kyphosis causing spinal cord compression at T6–T7 was made. Dorsal laminectomy and stabilization of T6 and T7 vertebrae were performed. As the size of the vertebrae was small and they were severely deformed, novel custom-made titanium implants were used for spinal stabilization. Clinical signs were resolved 2 weeks after surgery. Although radiographic examination 373 days after surgery showed slight loosening of implants, post-operative course remained uneventful. This report describes the use of novel custom-made titanium implants for spinal fixation surgery in a dog.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shintaro Kimura
- The United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan.,The Animal Medical Center of Gifu University, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Kohei Nakata
- The Animal Medical Center of Gifu University, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Yukiko Nakano
- The Animal Medical Center of Gifu University, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Yuta Nozue
- The Animal Medical Center of Gifu University, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
| | | | - Taku Sugawara
- Department of Spinal Surgery, Akita Cerebrospinal and Cardiovascular Center, Akita, Japan
| | - Sadatoshi Maeda
- The United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan.,The Animal Medical Center of Gifu University, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Kamishina
- The United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan.,The Animal Medical Center of Gifu University, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Musser CG, Windsor RC, Wininger F. Corpectomy and spinal stabilization using a 3D-printed spine model and custom jigs to address severe spinal deformities from T9-11 and L2-4 in a 6-month-old German shepherd puppy. Clin Case Rep 2021; 9:e05229. [PMID: 34963810 PMCID: PMC8710705 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.5229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
This report describes surgical decompression and stabilization of 2 hemivertebrae in a German shepherd dog. Long-term clinical and imaging outcomes are documented. Spinal cord decompression via corpectomy improved neurological function and intrinsic spinal cord changes on MRI. The dog improved to have minimal paraparesis and an active lifestyle.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Fred Wininger
- Charlotte Animal Referral and EmergencyCharlotteNorth CarolinaUSA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
LTBP3 Frameshift Variant in British Shorthair Cats with Complex Skeletal Dysplasia. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12121923. [PMID: 34946872 PMCID: PMC8701722 DOI: 10.3390/genes12121923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated a highly inbred family of British Shorthair cats in which two offspring were affected by deteriorating paraparesis due to complex skeletal malformations. Radiographs of both affected kittens revealed vertebral deformations with marked stenosis of the vertebral canal from T11 to L3. Additionally, compression of the spinal cord, cerebellar herniation, coprostasis and hypogangliosis were found. The pedigree suggested monogenic autosomal recessive inheritance of the trait. We sequenced the genome of an affected kitten and compared the data to 62 control genomes. This search yielded 55 private protein-changing variants of which only one was located in a likely functional candidate gene, LTBP3, encoding latent transforming growth factor β binding protein 3. This variant, c.158delG or p.(Gly53Alafs*16), represents a 1 bp frameshift deletion predicted to truncate 95% of the open reading frame. LTBP3 is a known key regulator of transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) and is involved in bone morphogenesis and remodeling. Genotypes at the LTBP3:c.158delG variant perfectly co-segregated with the phenotype in the investigated family. The available experimental data together with current knowledge on LTBP3 variants and their functional impact in human patients and mice suggest LTBP3:c.158delG as a candidate causative variant for the observed skeletal malformations in British Shorthair cats. To the best of our knowledge, this study represents the first report of LTBP3-related complex skeletal dysplasia in domestic animals.
Collapse
|
22
|
Sakamoto K, Nozue Y, Murakami M, Nakata K, Nakano Y, Soga S, Maeda S, Kamishina H. Minimally invasive spinal surgery in a young cat with vertebral hypertrophy. JFMS Open Rep 2021; 7:20551169211048460. [PMID: 34765228 PMCID: PMC8576381 DOI: 10.1177/20551169211048460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Case summary A 2-year-old neutered female Scottish Fold cat was presented with an 8-week history of
progressive back pain, paraparesis and decrease of postural reactions in both pelvic
limbs. MRI showed spinal cord compression from both ventral sides, which originated from
the T4 vertebral body and pedicle. The lesion compressing the spinal cord had a
bone-like density on CT, and endoscopic surgery was performed to excise it.
Histopathological examination of the resected tissue showed no evidence of malignancy
and the lesion was diagnosed as vertebral hypertrophy. After surgery, the neurological
status of the cat gradually improved. The cat was ambulant at the follow-up evaluation 2
weeks after surgery. Six months later, hindlimb paresis had improved considerably, and
no recurrence was observed on CT. Relevance and novel information This is the first description of thoracic vertebral canal stenosis due to hypertrophy
of a single vertebra in a young cat. Excision of the hypertrophic vertebra by endoscopic
surgery is less invasive than open surgery and may give a good prognosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karin Sakamoto
- Joint Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Yuta Nozue
- The Animal Medical Center of Gifu University, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Mami Murakami
- Joint Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Kohei Nakata
- The Animal Medical Center of Gifu University, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Yukiko Nakano
- The Animal Medical Center of Gifu University, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
| | | | - Sadatoshi Maeda
- Joint Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan.,The Animal Medical Center of Gifu University, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan.,The United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Kamishina
- Joint Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan.,The Animal Medical Center of Gifu University, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan.,The United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Farré Mariné A, De Risio L, Mascort J, Jiménez Peláez M, López M, Stabile F, Luján Feliu-Pascual A. Transthoracic Vertebral Distraction and Stabilization in 10 Dogs with Congenital Thoracic Vertebral Malformations. Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2021; 34:367-374. [PMID: 34293809 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1731807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to describe the surgical technique and outcomes of dogs with congenital thoracic vertebral body malformations (CTVBM) treated with unilateral vertebral distraction and stabilization with monocortical screws and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). STUDY DESIGN Medical records of 10 client-owned dogs with CTVBM were retrospectively searched for signalment, history, neurological examination, neurological grade based on the modified Frankel scale (MFS), diagnostic method, CTVBM location, Cobb's angle, and vertebral canal angle (VCA), surgical procedure, complications and long-term follow-up. RESULTS One dog suffered cardiac arrest 24 hours post-surgery and died. Median follow-up in nine dogs was 26.5 months (12-50 months). Cobb's angle improved from 33-83 to 10-46 degrees and the VCA ratio from 97-138 to 122-164 degrees. The MFS improved from 3 (n = 3)-4 (n = 7) to 4 (n = 2)-6 (n = 7). Seven dogs recovered full function. Nine dogs improved after surgery compared with preoperative status, recovering ambulation when lost or achieving normal neurological examination in seven cases. No complications were reported during the follow-up period (12-50 months). CONCLUSION Unilateral transthoracic vertebral distraction and stabilization with monocortical screws and PMMA for treatment of compressive myelopathy due to CTVBM achieved long-term neurological improvement in 9 of 10 dogs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Marta López
- Hospital Veterinari Glòries, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Gluding D, Stock KF, Tellhelm B, Kramer M, Eley N. Genetic background of lumbosacral transitional vertebrae in German shepherd dogs. J Small Anim Pract 2021; 62:967-972. [PMID: 34155659 DOI: 10.1111/jsap.13380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Estimation of genetic parameters of lumbosacral transitional vertebrae based on data derived from radiographic screening of 27,597 German shepherd dogs. MATERIALS AND METHODS Results of radiographic screening for lumbosacral transitional vertebrae classified according to a published scheme were collected. Obtained data were used for estimating variance components in single and multiple trait linear animal models to obtain heritabilities and additive genetic correlations for different types of lumbosacral transitional vertebrae. RESULTS Estimations indicated a moderate heritability of lumbosacral transitional vertebrae of h2 = 0.27. Trait definitions reflecting the different types of lumbosacral transitional vertebrae revealed positive additive genetic correlations of rg > 0.5 between those types usually categorised as pathologic. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Results of comprehensive genetic analyses enable the development of breeding measures against lumbosacral transitional vertebrae to reduce their prevalence and support management of potentially correlated diseases in German shepherd dogs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D Gluding
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Clinic for Small Animals (Surgery), Justus Liebig University, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - K F Stock
- IT Solutions for Animal Production (vit), 27283, Verden, Germany
| | - B Tellhelm
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Clinic for Small Animals (Surgery), Justus Liebig University, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - M Kramer
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Clinic for Small Animals (Surgery), Justus Liebig University, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - N Eley
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Clinic for Small Animals (Surgery), Justus Liebig University, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Brown JD, Podadera J, Ward M, Goldsmid S, Simpson DJ. The presence, morphology and clinical significance of vertebral body malformations in an Australian population of French Bulldogs and Pugs. Aust Vet J 2021; 99:378-387. [PMID: 34137021 DOI: 10.1111/avj.13094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the incidence, morphology and clinical significance of congenital vertebral malformations (CVM) in two breeds of brachycephalic dogs presenting to a referral veterinary hospital. DESIGN Prospective cohort study series. MATERIALS AND METHODS Forty-nine French Bulldogs and Pugs were prospectively evaluated and placed in one of two groups based on whether or not they presented for neurological signs referable to spinal cord disease. A computed tomography (CT) of their entire spine was obtained and the presence and classification of CVM along with the degree of spinal kyphosis recorded for all dogs. Statistical analysis was performed to identify clinical associations between these factors (P < 0.05). RESULTS CVM were prevalent across both breeds with the French Bulldog having more malformations than the Pug (Kruskal-Wallis nonparametric analysis of variance, P < 0.0001). Breed associated vertebral malformation subtypes included butterfly subtype in French Bulldogs (Chi-square, P = 0.0002), and transitional subtype in Pugs (odds ratio, 22.7; P = 0.000). A new subtype, dorsal wedge, was observed in 12 cases. The presence, number and subtype of vertebral malformation were not reliable for predicting the development of neurological signs across both breeds (Chi-square, P > 0.05). However, spinal kyphosis >35° calculated via Cobb angle was associated with Pugs that had neurological deficits (Chi-square, P = 0.028). CONCLUSIONS Congenital vertebral malformations largely appear to be incidental findings in this population of French Bulldogs but are of more significance in the Pug breed when spinal kyphosis is >35°. French Bulldogs that have spinal cord disease and CVM are more likely to have pathology distant to CVM with intervertebral disc herniation most common.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J D Brown
- Surgery Department, Animal Referral Hospital, Homebush, New South Wales, Australia
| | - J Podadera
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, New South Wales, Australia
| | - M Ward
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, New South Wales, Australia
| | - S Goldsmid
- Surgery Department, Animal Referral Hospital, Homebush, New South Wales, Australia
| | - D J Simpson
- Surgery Department, Animal Referral Hospital, Homebush, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Lee EG, Park SY, Lee K, Jang M, Kim JT, Choi S, Park I. Radiographic evaluation of congenital vertebral anomalies in Korean raccoon dogs ( Nyctereutes procyonoides koreensis). J Vet Sci 2021; 22:e52. [PMID: 34170093 PMCID: PMC8318798 DOI: 10.4142/jvs.2021.22.e52] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The normal vertebral anatomy of Korean raccoon dogs and their variants require research attention as a prerequisite for identifying pathologies and anomalies. Objectives This retrospective study aimed at describing the vertebral formula and congenital vertebral anomalies in Korean raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides koreensis). Methods Radiographs of 82 raccoon dogs (42 males, 40 females) acquired from May 2013 to June 2020 in the Gangwon Wildlife Medical Rescue Center were reviewed to evaluate the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar vertebrae of the spine. Results Normal morphology of all vertebrae was observed in 50 of the 82 raccoon dogs, and the vertebral formula was cervical 7, thoracic 13, and lumbar 7. Congenital vertebral anomalies were found in 32 raccoon dogs: transitional vertebrae (TV) in 31 and block vertebrae in 2. Two raccoon dogs had 2 types of vertebral anomalies: one had TV and block vertebra, and the other had 2 types of TV. Twenty-nine raccoon dogs had thoracolumbar TV (TTV) and 3 had lumbosacral TV. TTV was morphologically classified into 4 different types: unilateral extra-rib in 5 raccoon dogs, bilateral extra-ribs in 14, bilateral elongated transverse processes in 4, and an asymmetric mixed formation of extra-rib with elongated transverse process in 6. Conclusions This study showed that TTV is common in Korean raccoon dogs, and that the vertebral formula is relatively diverse. The bilateral extra-ribs type TTV is the most common variant, which is almost similar to normal rib to be confused the radiographic evaluation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eun Gee Lee
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea
| | - Sool Yi Park
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea
| | - Kija Lee
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea
| | - Min Jang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea
| | - Jong Taek Kim
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea
| | - Sooyoung Choi
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea.
| | - Inchul Park
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Ariete V, Barnert N, Gómez M, Mieres M, Pérez B, Gutierrez JC. Morphometrical Study of the Lumbar Segment of the Internal Vertebral Venous Plexus in Dogs: A Contrast CT-Based Study. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11061502. [PMID: 34067340 PMCID: PMC8224572 DOI: 10.3390/ani11061502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 05/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The internal vertebral venous plexus (IVVP) is a valveless venous network running inside the vertebral canal. The objective of this study was to morphometrically describe the IVVP, dural sac, epidural space and vertebral canal of the lumbar segment in dogs with enhanced computerized tomography. Six clinically healthy adult dogs were used for the study. Dorsal reconstructed computed tomography (CT) images showed a continuous rhomboidal morphological pattern for the IVVP. The dural sac was observed as an isodense structure with a rounded shape throughout the vertebral canal. The average percentage area occupied by the IVVP between L1 and L7 vertebrae ranged between 6.3% and 8.9% of the area of the vertebral canal, and the dural sac ranged between 13.8% and 72.2% of the vertebral canal. The epidural space accounted between 27.08% and 86.2% of the lumbar vertebral canal. CT venography is a safe technique that allows adequate visualization and evaluation of the lumbar IVVP and adjacent structures in dogs. Abstract The internal vertebral venous plexus (IVVP) is a thin-walled, valveless venous network that is located inside the vertebral canal, communicating with the cerebral venous sinuses. The objective of this study was to perform a morphometric analysis of the IVVP, dural sac, epidural space and vertebral canal between the L1 and L7 vertebrae with contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT). Six clinically healthy adult dogs weighing between 12 kg to 28 kg were used in the study. The CT venographic protocol consisted of a manual injection of 880 mgI/kg of contrast agent (587 mgI/kg in a bolus and 293 mgI/mL by continuous infusion). In all CT images, the dimensions of the IVVP, dural sac, and vertebral canal were collected. Dorsal reconstruction CT images showed a continuous rhomboidal morphological pattern for the IVVP. The dural sac was observed as a rounded isodense structure throughout the vertebral canal. The average area of the IVVP ranged from 0.61 to 0.74 mm2 between L1 and L7 vertebrae (6.3–8.9% of the vertebral canal), and the area of the dural sac was between 1.22 and 7.42 mm2 (13.8–72.2% of the vertebral canal). The area of the epidural space between L1 and L7 ranged from 2.85 to 7.78 mm2 (27.8–86.2% of the vertebral canal). This CT venography protocol is a safe method that allows adequate visualization and morphometric evaluation of the IVVP and adjacent structures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Ariete
- Institute of Pharmacology and Morphophysiology, Austral University of Chile, Valdivia 5090000, Chile; (V.A.); (N.B.); (B.P.)
| | - Natalia Barnert
- Institute of Pharmacology and Morphophysiology, Austral University of Chile, Valdivia 5090000, Chile; (V.A.); (N.B.); (B.P.)
| | - Marcelo Gómez
- Institute of Pharmacology and Morphophysiology, Austral University of Chile, Valdivia 5090000, Chile; (V.A.); (N.B.); (B.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +56-632221216 or +56-984437732
| | - Marcelo Mieres
- Institute of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Austral University of Chile, Valdivia 5090000, Chile;
| | - Bárbara Pérez
- Institute of Pharmacology and Morphophysiology, Austral University of Chile, Valdivia 5090000, Chile; (V.A.); (N.B.); (B.P.)
| | - Juan Claudio Gutierrez
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Cell Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Lackmann F, Forterre F, Brunnberg L, Loderstedt S. Epidemiological study of congenital malformations of the vertebral column in French bulldogs, English bulldogs and pugs. Vet Rec 2021; 190:e509. [PMID: 34021609 DOI: 10.1002/vetr.509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Congenital vertebral body malformations (CVBMs) have retrospectively been investigated in British and American canine populations. This study prospectively evaluates occurrence, localization, type and characteristic of CVBM along the entire vertebral column in a cohort of French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs and Pug dogs from Germany. METHODS Prospective clinical and radiological screenings for CVBM were performed in brachycephalic dogs presented for reasons unrelated to neurological problems. Neurological and orthopaedic examinations as well as radiographs in two orthogonal planes of the entire vertebral column including the tail were performed in all dogs. Cobb angle and vertebral step were determined. Associations between CVBM, tail malformation, neurological deficits and occurrence of concurrent orthopaedic diseases were investigated. RESULTS A total of 707 VBMs were identified in the whole vertebral column of 169 of 265 brachycephalic dogs. The most common types of CVBMs were ventral wedge shape (48%), dorsal wedge shape (14%) and shortened vertebral body (14%). A new type of malformation was investigated: dorsal wedge shape vertebrae. There was significant association between severe tail malformations with CVBM. Neurological deficits were significantly associated with ventrolateral wedge shape, dorso lateral hemivertebrae, Cobb angle > 30% and vertebral step ≥1.75 mm. Orthopaedic conditions were not significantly associated with CVBM. CONCLUSION Kyphotic Cobb angle and vertebral step are radiological findings associated with neurological deficits. We propose severe tail malformation as an easy and accurate selection factor for determining breeding dogs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Felix Lackmann
- Small Animal Clinic, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Franck Forterre
- Small Animal Clinic, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Leo Brunnberg
- Small Animal Clinic, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Shenja Loderstedt
- Department for Small Animal, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Spoormakers TJP, Veraa S, Graat EAM, van Weeren PR, Brommer H. A comparative study of breed differences in the anatomical configuration of the equine vertebral column. J Anat 2021; 239:829-838. [PMID: 33991425 PMCID: PMC8450477 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The importance of the equine thoracolumbar vertebral column in orthopaedic disorders is well recognized and diagnostic imaging becomes more feasible, but little is known about variations in the anatomical configuration within breeds. In this descriptive post-mortem study, anatomical variations in three widely differing breeds: Warmblood horses, Shetland ponies and semi-feral Konik horses are described. The caudal cervical (C), thoracic (T), lumbar (L) and sacral (S) regions of the vertebral column of 30 Warmblood horses, 29 Shetland ponies and 18 Konik horses were examined using computed tomography and visualized by volume rendering. Homologous/morphologic variations in the caudal cervical area were frequently seen in Warmblood horses (43%), which was significantly more than in the other breeds (p < 0.001). The as standard described equine formula of 18 T, 6 L and 5 S vertebrae was seen in 78% of Konik horses, but only in 53% Warmblood horses and 38% Shetland ponies, which was significantly different (p < 0.05). Overall, Shetland ponies showed a higher tendency of thoracoization, lumbarization and more variations in the number of vertebrae and pairs of ribs. Ankylosed intertransverse joints (ITJs) between transverse processes of the lumbar vertebrae were most common between the second last and last lumbar vertebra and prevalence was significantly higher in Shetland ponies (61%), than in Warmblood horses (38%) and Konik horses (7%) (p < 0.0001). Cranial to the second last lumbar vertebra there were fewer ITJs ankylosed (14%) in Warmblood horses (p < 0.0095), and this decrease in number of ankylosed ITJs was different compared to the change in ankylosed ITJs in Shetland ponies (p < 0.005). ITJs occurred asymmetrically in 15% (12/77) of the cases. A limitation of the study was that clinical data of the horses were only incompletely available, precluding any conclusions about the potential clinical implications of anatomical variations. Knowledge of variation in osseous anatomy of the equine thoracolumbar vertebral column is important for the interpretation of diagnostic imaging. To assess the functional importance and clinical relevance of this variation, follow-up studies are necessary.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tijn Jan Pieter Spoormakers
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Equine Division, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Stefanie Veraa
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Diagnostic Imaging, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Elisabeth Anna Maria Graat
- Department of Animal Sciences, Adaptation Physiology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Paul René van Weeren
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Equine Division, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Harold Brommer
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Equine Division, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Frias JM, De Decker S, Dirrig H, Fenn J. Axis spinous process malformations are commonly identified in a sample of English Bull Terriers without associated clinical signs. Vet Radiol Ultrasound 2021; 62:541-548. [PMID: 33987907 DOI: 10.1111/vru.12975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Congenital cervical vertebral malformations (CCVM) have been infrequently reported in veterinary medicine, with limited examples of axis spinous process malformations. The objective of this retrospective cross-sectional study was to describe the radiological characteristics, prevalence, and clinical relevance of a characteristic axis vertebral malformation in a sample of English Bull Terriers (EBTs). Medical records and diagnostic imaging studies of the cervical vertebral column of EBTs presenting for any reason were reviewed and described. Based on evaluation of the images, EBTs were divided in two groups; axis spinous process malformation and normal cases. Referring veterinary surgeons were contacted for long-term follow-up information. A total of 27 cervical radiographs, 23 CT, and nine MRI studies from 53 EBTs were reviewed. An axis spinous process malformation, characterized by a linear defect of varying length along the base of the spinous process, was identified in 22 of 53 EBTs (41.5%). There was no significant difference in age, body weight, or sex (P < .05) between EBTs with and without the malformation. No traumatic causes or clinical signs were identified in EBTs with the malformation that could be directly attributed to it. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of a malformation of the axis spinous process in a sample of EBTs. The malformation was not associated with clinical signs and should not be misinterpreted as a traumatic vertebral fracture or other pathology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- João Miguel Frias
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hatfield, UK
| | - Steven De Decker
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hatfield, UK
| | - Helen Dirrig
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hatfield, UK
| | - Joe Fenn
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hatfield, UK
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Gutierrez‐Quintana R, Decker S. Tail end of the brachycephalic problem: diagnostic and treatment options for spinal malformations. IN PRACTICE 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/inpr.26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
|
32
|
Proks P, Johansen TM, Nývltová I, Komenda D, Černochová H, Vignoli M. Vertebral Formulae and Congenital Vertebral Anomalies in Guinea Pigs: A Retrospective Radiographic Study. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11030589. [PMID: 33668174 PMCID: PMC7995982 DOI: 10.3390/ani11030589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Guinea pigs are popular pets, but there is still a lack of information about their morphology. Variable morphology of the vertebral column can lead to incorrect localization of spinal diseases or the site of surgical intervention. This study aimed to determine the numerical variants of vertebral column and prevalence, localization, and type of congenital anomalies of the vertebral column. Vertebral column radiographs were reviewed in 240 guinea pigs, and nine numerical variants of the vertebral column were noticed. The most common vertebral formula, seven cervical, 13 thoracic, six lumbar, four sacral, and five to seven caudal vertebrae, was found in 75% of guinea pigs. Congenital anomalies were also found as incidental findings in 12.5% of guinea pigs, mostly in the thoracolumbar and lumbosacral regions. The most common congenital anomalies were a variable morphology of the last pair of ribs in the thoracolumbar region and transitional vertebra with a mixed morphological characteristic of lumbar and sacral vertebrae in the lumbosacral region. The cervical region was the least common region for congenital anomalies of the vertebral column. Our results contribute to the knowledge of clinical morphology in guinea pigs applicable in both, research and clinical practice. Abstract The objectives of this retrospective study of 240 guinea pigs (148 females and 92 males) were to determine the prevalence of different vertebral formulae and the type and anatomical localization of congenital vertebral anomalies (CVA). Radiographs of the cervical (C), thoracic (Th), lumbar (L), sacral (S), and caudal (Cd) part of the vertebral column were reviewed. Morphology and number of vertebrae in each segment of the vertebral column and type and localization of CVA were recorded. In 210/240 guinea pigs (87.50%) with normal vertebral morphology, nine vertebral formulae were found with constant number of C but variable number of Th, L, and S vertebrae: C7/Th13/L6/S4/Cd5-7 (75%), C7/Th13/L6/S3/Cd6-7 (4.17%), C7/Th13/L5/S4/Cd6-7 (2.50%), C7/Th13/L6/S5/Cd5-6 (1.67%), C7/Th12/L6/S4/Cd6 (1.25%), C7/Th13/L7/S4/Cd6 (1.25%), C7/Th13/L7/S3/Cd6-7 (0.83%), C7/Th12/L7/S4/Cd5 (0.42%), C7/Th13/L5/S5/Cd7 (0.42%). CVA were found in 30/240 (12.5%) of guinea pigs, mostly as a transitional vertebra (28/30), which represents 100% of single CVA localised in cervicothoracic (n = 1), thoracolumbar (n = 22) and lumbosacral segments (n = 5). Five morphological variants of thoracolumbar transitional vertebrae (TTV) were identified. Two (2/30) guinea pigs had a combination of CVA: cervical block vertebra and TTV (n = 1) and TTV and lumbosacral transitional vertebra (LTV) (n = 1). These findings suggest that guinea pigs’ vertebral column displays more morphological variants with occasional CVA predominantly transitional vertebrae.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pavel Proks
- Small Animal Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, 61242 Brno, Czech Republic; (T.M.J.); (I.N.); (D.K.)
- Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC), University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, 61242 Brno, Czech Republic
- Correspondence:
| | - Trude Maria Johansen
- Small Animal Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, 61242 Brno, Czech Republic; (T.M.J.); (I.N.); (D.K.)
| | - Ivana Nývltová
- Small Animal Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, 61242 Brno, Czech Republic; (T.M.J.); (I.N.); (D.K.)
| | - Dominik Komenda
- Small Animal Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, 61242 Brno, Czech Republic; (T.M.J.); (I.N.); (D.K.)
| | - Hana Černochová
- Avian and Exotic Animal Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, 61242 Brno, Czech Republic;
| | - Massimo Vignoli
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Piano D’Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy;
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
De Freitas MI, Housley D, Caine A, Fauchon E, Baiker K, Corbetta D, Cherubini GB. Myelopathy secondary to an intramedullary arteriovenous malformation in a mature dog. J Vet Intern Med 2021; 35:1098-1104. [PMID: 33527500 PMCID: PMC7995429 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 12/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
A 2‐year‐old crossbreed dog was presented for evaluation of a 6‐week history of progressive paraparesis. Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography angiography of the thoracic and lumbar spinal cord disclosed multifocal, anomalous, small, vascular structures, distributed throughout the subarachnoid space of the included section of the spinal cord. An additional focal intramedullary lesion was identified extending from T9 to T10 to T12. Histopathological examination confirmed the presence of an intramedullary arteriovenous malformation affecting the thoracic spinal cord and leading to diffuse congestion and focal hemorrhages into the affected spinal cord.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Abby Caine
- Dick White Referrals, Six Mile Bottom, UK
| | | | - Kerstin Baiker
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, UK
| | - Davide Corbetta
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Conte A, Bernardini M, De Decker S, Ricco C, Behr S, Sanchez-Masian D, Cherubini GB, De Risio L, Gutierrez-Quintana R. Thoracic Vertebral Canal Stenosis Associated with Vertebral Arch Anomalies in Small Brachycephalic Screw-Tail Dog Breeds. Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2020; 34:191-199. [PMID: 33285597 DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1721375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to describe clinical and imaging features of thoracic vertebral canal stenosis secondary to the hypertrophy of the vertebral lamina and articular processes in screw-tail brachycephalic dog breeds, to evaluate the prevalence of the malformation in a large group of screw-tail dog breeds and to determine if degree of stenosis is associated with presence of neurological signs. STUDY DESIGN This is a retrospective multicentric study. MATERIALS AND METHODS Clinical records of 185 screw-tail brachycephalic dogs (French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, Boston Terriers) and Pugs were reviewed. Ten dogs with neurological deficits secondary to thoracic vertebral canal stenosis diagnosed on magnetic resonance imaging were identified (Group 1). Neurologically normal dogs (n = 175) of the same breeds underwent computed tomographic imaging of the thoracic vertebral column for other medical reasons (Group 2). Cross-sectional measurements were used to calculate a stenotic ratio. RESULTS Group 1 consisted of three French Bulldogs, six English Bulldogs and one Pug. Eight were males. Most dogs presented with progressive non-painful pelvic limbs ataxia and paresis. Twenty stenotic sites were identified with the most common being T4-T5. Three of ten dogs were treated surgically and all had a good long-term outcome. In Group 2, 33 of 175 dogs had one or more stenotic sites with the most common being T2-T3. The degree of the stenosis was significantly higher in Group 1 (p = 0.019). A stenotic ratio of 0.56 had sensitivity and specificity of 67% to differentiate between dogs with and without neurological signs. CONCLUSION Cranial thoracic vertebral canal stenosis is observed predominantly in young male Bulldogs, but not all stenoses are clinically relevant.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Marco Bernardini
- Ospedale Veterinario "I Portoni Rossi", Zola Pedrosa, Italy.,Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Steven De Decker
- Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hatfield, United Kingdom
| | - Cristoforo Ricco
- Willows Veterinary Centre & Referral Service, Solihull, United Kingdom
| | - Sebastien Behr
- Willows Veterinary Centre & Referral Service, Solihull, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Gillespie S, De Decker S. Thoracic vertebral canal stenosis in cats: clinical features, diagnostic imaging findings, treatment and outcome. J Feline Med Surg 2020; 22:1191-1199. [PMID: 32436803 PMCID: PMC10814363 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x20920041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to describe the clinical features, diagnostic imaging findings, treatment and outcome in cats with thoracic vertebral canal stenosis (TVCS). METHODS Medical records and imaging studies of cats with TVCS were retrospectively reviewed. Outcome was acquired from patient records and from owners or referring veterinary surgeons via a telephone questionnaire. For each case, breed-, age- and sex-matched controls were identified with CT imaging of the thoracic vertebral column. For each cat, vertebral canal height was determined at three levels for each thoracic vertebra. Vertebral canal heights were compared between control cats of different breeds and between affected and control cats of the same breed. RESULTS Nine TVCS cases were included. British Shorthairs and male neutered cats were over-represented (P <0.05). Median age at presentation was 9 years. All cats were presented for a chronic, progressive, painful, ambulatory, T3-L3 myelopathy. Five cats were treated conservatively, three surgically and one was euthanased. Two cats treated surgically demonstrated improvement of clinical signs and one demonstrated initial improvement followed by deterioration. Of the conservatively treated cats, three deteriorated and two improved. Compared with controls, affected cats had a lower vertebral canal height at multiple thoracic vertebral levels, being most prominent for British Shorthairs and domestic shorthairs (P <0.05). Unaffected British Shorthairs had a lower thoracic vertebral canal height at multiple levels than control domestic shorthairs (P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE TVCS should be considered a differential diagnosis in middle-aged to older cats presenting with a chronic, progressive, painful, T3-L3 myelopathy. The predisposition of British Shorthairs could be explained by a narrower vertebral canal in this breed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Gillespie
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hatfield, UK
| | - Steven De Decker
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hatfield, UK
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Inamassu LR, Schimming BC, Dadalto CR, Mamprim MJ. Osteology and radiology of the vertebral column in the white-eared opossum (Didelphis albiventris). Anat Histol Embryol 2020; 50:128-135. [PMID: 32857881 DOI: 10.1111/ahe.12610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The white-eared opossum present a higher roadkill number in Brazil, and the vertebral column is often affected when some type of trauma occurs. Thus, this study describes the osteology and radiology of the vertebral column in white-eared opossum to serve as a basis for support in the veterinary clinical care, since the casuistry of care of this marsupial has increased every year. Radiographs of the cervical (C), thoracic (T), lumbar (L), sacral (S) and caudal (Cd) segments of the vertebral column were taken in thirty-five white-eared opossums (Didelphis albiventris). Furthermore, ten opossums without evident vertebral acquired or congenital abnormalities at the radiographic study were selected for anatomical study. Osteology was correlated with the radiographic images. The use of radiographs allowed the identification of congenital and acquired vertebral changes, as well as the identification of anatomical structures, their distribution and morphology and the number of vertebrae. The vertebral formula varied in the white-eared opossum. In 27 of 35 white-eared opossums (77.2%) with normal vertebral morphology, three vertebral formulas were observed: C7/T13/L6/S2 (62.9%), C7/T13/L5/S2 (5.7%) and C7/T13/L7/S2 (8.6%). Most of the specimens presented 27 caudal vertebrae. The anticlinal vertebra was identified as T10 in 77.2% and T11 in 22.8% of opossums. Cervical block vertebra was observed in two animals and sacrocaudal block vertebra in one animal. The haemal arches could be seen from Cd3-Cd4 in 80% and Cd2-Cd3 in 20% of opossums. The white-eared opossum showed a slender vertebral column with a relatively short thoracic region, a relatively long lumbar region and a highly flexible lumbosacral transition, suggesting that this animal is a fast-running and agile opossum. Therefore, these findings may serve as a basis for further research and support the veterinary clinical care, since the casuistry of care for this marsupial has increased every year.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Letícia Rocha Inamassu
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Graduate Program in Wild Animals, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Bruno Cesar Schimming
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Graduate Program in Wild Animals, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil.,Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Carmel Rezende Dadalto
- Department of Animal Reproduction and Veterinary Radiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Maria Jaqueline Mamprim
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Graduate Program in Wild Animals, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil.,Department of Animal Reproduction and Veterinary Radiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Santifort KM, Viehoff F. What Is Your Neurologic Diagnosis? J Am Vet Med Assoc 2020; 255:1009-1012. [PMID: 31617811 DOI: 10.2460/javma.255.9.1009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
|
38
|
Butterfield S, Garcia-Gonzalez B, Driver CJ, Rusbridge C. Limited dorsal myeloschisis in three cats: a distinctive form of neural tube defect. JFMS Open Rep 2020; 6:2055116920924307. [PMID: 32655875 PMCID: PMC7328493 DOI: 10.1177/2055116920924307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Case series summary The aim of this case series was to describe the clinical presentation,
imaging findings and histopathology of three cats with limited dorsal
myeloschisis (LDM). The history, examination and MRI sequences were reviewed
in three cases presented to a single referral hospital. The surgery report
and histopathology were described in two cases. All cats were young (10
weeks old, 5 months old, 4 years old), presenting with varying degrees of
progressive paraparesis. All had a midline skin defect overlying the spinal
column that was either sunken or saccular, containing fluid thought to be
cerebrospinal fluid. MRI sequences demonstrated tissue extending from the
dura through an overlying bifid spinous process and attached to the dermis,
with associated spinal cord tethering, atrophy and syringomyelia. Lesions
were located at L2–L3, T8–T9 and L4. Histopathology described a fibroneural
stalk with a glio-ependymal lining, surrounded by glial nests and nerve
fibres. The youngest and most severely affected was euthanased, while the
other two underwent surgery. Both regained independent ambulation with
persistent paraparesis; however, one required ongoing management of urinary
incontinence. Relevance and novel information LDM is a primary neural tube defect that may result in neurological deficits,
including bladder dysfunction, and is characterised by a fibroneural stalk
between the dermis and the spinal cord. Distinct MRI features, such as a
visible intrathecal tract, dorsally tethered cord and syringomyelia, help
distinguish this condition from the clinically similar dermoid sinus. The
presence of progressive neurological signs, with a palpable midline defect
overlying the affected spinal cord segment, may raise suspicion for this
clinical entity in veterinary patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Colin J Driver
- Fitzpatrick Referrals Orthopaedics and Neurology, Eashing, UK
| | - Clare Rusbridge
- Fitzpatrick Referrals Orthopaedics and Neurology, Eashing, UK.,School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Vet School Main Building (VSM), University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Dean BL, Smith C, Liebel FX, Warren-Smith C. Multiple Cervical Vertebral Malformations in a 21-Week-Old Kitten. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 2020; 55:256-260. [PMID: 31433220 DOI: 10.5326/jaaha-ms-6865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
A 21 wk old, 2 kg neutered male domestic shorthair presented with a 24 hr history of acute-onset severe nonambulatory tetraparesis with no known inciting cause. Neurologic examination revealed a C1-C5 myelopathy. Computed tomography of the vertebral column and thorax revealed incomplete ossification of the C2 and C3 vertebrae and lung bullae. After 4 wk of conservative management, the client reported a return to normal ambulation with reluctance to jump up. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of a feline case of incomplete ossification of cervical vertebrae. The cervical malformations outlined in this report are differentials to consider in cases of acute-onset tetraparesis in cats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barnaby Luke Dean
- From Southern Counties Veterinary Specialists, Ringwood, United Kingdom (B.L.D.); and Langford Small Animal Hospital, Bristol, United Kingdom (C.S., F-X.L., C.W-S.)
| | - Caroline Smith
- From Southern Counties Veterinary Specialists, Ringwood, United Kingdom (B.L.D.); and Langford Small Animal Hospital, Bristol, United Kingdom (C.S., F-X.L., C.W-S.)
| | - Francois-Xavier Liebel
- From Southern Counties Veterinary Specialists, Ringwood, United Kingdom (B.L.D.); and Langford Small Animal Hospital, Bristol, United Kingdom (C.S., F-X.L., C.W-S.)
| | - Christopher Warren-Smith
- From Southern Counties Veterinary Specialists, Ringwood, United Kingdom (B.L.D.); and Langford Small Animal Hospital, Bristol, United Kingdom (C.S., F-X.L., C.W-S.)
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Rohdin C, Ljungvall I, Häggström J, Leijon A, Lindblad-Toh K, Matiasek K, Rosati M, Wohlsein P, Jäderlund KH. Thoracolumbar meningeal fibrosis in pugs. J Vet Intern Med 2020; 34:797-807. [PMID: 32003496 PMCID: PMC7096664 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.15716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2019] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Thoracolumbar myelopathies associated with spinal cord and vertebral column lesions, with a similar clinical phenotype, but different underlying etiologies, occur in pugs. Objectives To further characterize the clinical and neuropathological characteristics of pugs with longstanding thoracolumbar myelopathy. Animals Thirty client‐owned pure‐bred pugs with a history of more than a month of ataxia and paresis of the pelvic limbs, suggesting a myelopathy localized to the thoracolumbar spinal cord, were included in the study. Methods Prospective clinicopathological study. Included pugs underwent a complete neurological examination and gross and histopathologic postmortem studies with focus on the spinal cord. Computed tomography (n = 18), magnetic resonance imaging (n = 17), and cerebrospinal fluid analysis (n = 27) were performed before or immediately after death. Results Twenty male and 10 female pugs had a median age at clinical onset of 84 months (interquartile range, 66‐96). Affected pugs presented with a progressive clinical course and 80% were incontinent. There was circumferential meningeal fibrosis with concomitant focal, malacic, destruction of the neuroparenchyma in the thoracolumbar spinal cord in 24/30 pugs. Vertebral lesions accompanied the focal spinal cord lesion, and there was lympho‐histiocytic inflammation associated or not to the parenchymal lesion in 43% of the pugs. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Meningeal fibrosis with associated focal spinal cord destruction and neighboring vertebral column lesions were common findings in pugs with long‐standing thoracolumbar myelopathy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Rohdin
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden.,Anicura Albano Small Animal Hospital, Danderyd, Sweden
| | - Ingrid Ljungvall
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jens Häggström
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Alexandra Leijon
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health (BVF), Section of Pathology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Kerstin Lindblad-Toh
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.,Broad Institute of Harvard and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Kaspar Matiasek
- Section of Clinical and Comparative Neuropathology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
| | - Marco Rosati
- Section of Clinical and Comparative Neuropathology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
| | - Peter Wohlsein
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, Germany
| | - Karin Hultin Jäderlund
- Department of Companion Animal Clinical Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Martín Muñiz L, Del Magno S, Gandini G, Pisoni L, Menchetti M, Foglia A, Ródenas S. Surgical outcomes of six bulldogs with spinal lumbosacral meningomyelocele or meningocele. Vet Surg 2019; 49:200-206. [PMID: 31758707 DOI: 10.1111/vsu.13342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Revised: 11/02/2018] [Accepted: 12/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To report the surgical treatment and outcome of six bulldogs with spina bifida (SB) and meningocele (MC) or meningomyelocele (MMC). STUDY DESIGN Case series. ANIMALS Five French bulldogs and one English bulldog with MC or MMC. METHODS Medical records of dogs with spinal MC or MMC diagnosed by MRI at two institutions between 2013 and 2016 were reviewed for surgical treatment and outcomes. RESULTS Meningocele was diagnosed in two dogs, and MMC was diagnosed in four dogs. A lumbosacral dimple was noted in all dogs along with neurological deficits most commonly consisting of urinary and fecal incontinence (n = 6) and mild/moderate paraparesis (n = 3). Dorsal laminectomy was performed in all dogs to allow dissection of the meningeal sac to the vertebral column defect. In dogs with MMC, nerves were repositioned and protruded meninges were removed prior to suturing remaining meninges. Adhesions and filum terminale were resected in two dogs with suspected tethered cord syndrome. Urinary and fecal incontinence improved in two dogs and remained unchanged in four. Paraparesis improved in two dogs. CONCLUSION Surgical treatment resulted in partial improvement of the urinary and fecal incontinence (2/6 dogs) and paraparesis (2/3 dogs) or stable neurological condition (3/6 dogs), with only minor temporary complications. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE In the absence of published data comparing surgical and conservative treatment of puppies affected by SB and MC or MMC, early surgical treatment can be considered to prevent deterioration of neurological signs and, eventually, facilitate improvement of neurological signs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Martín Muñiz
- Fundació Hospital Clínic Veterinari, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Sara Del Magno
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Italy
| | - Gualtiero Gandini
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Italy
| | - Luciano Pisoni
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Italy
| | - Marika Menchetti
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Italy
| | - Armando Foglia
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Elford JH, Oxley B, Behr S. Accuracy of placement of pedicle screws in the thoracolumbar spine of dogs with spinal deformities with three-dimensionally printed patient-specific drill guides. Vet Surg 2019; 49:347-353. [PMID: 31617955 DOI: 10.1111/vsu.13333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Revised: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the accuracy of pedicle screw placement in the thoracic spine of dogs with spinal deformities with three-dimensionally (3D) printed patient-specific drill guides. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective study. SAMPLE POPULATION Six dogs in which sixty pedicle screws were placed in the thoracolumbar spine. METHODS Medical records were searched between June 2017 and June 2018 for dogs with clinical signs associated with a thoracolumbar vertebral malformation. Inclusion criteria included MRI and computed tomography (CT) data that were used to create 3D printed patient-specific drill guides. All dogs were stabilized dorsally with guided bicortical pedicle screws and polymethylmethacrylate. Accuracy of screw placement was assessed by immediately postoperative CT according to a modified Zdichavsky classification. RESULTS Five pugs and one French bulldog met the inclusion criteria. Sixty bicortical pedicle screws were placed; 96.7% were graded as I (optimal placement), and 3.3% were classified as IIa (partial penetration of the medial pedicle wall) according to a modified Zdichavsky classification. CONCLUSION Three-dimensionally printed patient-specific drill guides allowed safe and accurate placement of pedicle screws in the thoracolumbar spine in dogs with vertebral malformation. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Three-dimensionally printed patient-specific drill guides are a safe and effective method of placing pedicle screws in dogs with thoracolumbar vertebral malformations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James H Elford
- Willows Veterinary Centre and Referral Service, Solihull, West Midlands, United Kingdom
| | - Bill Oxley
- Willows Veterinary Centre and Referral Service, Solihull, West Midlands, United Kingdom
| | - Sebastien Behr
- Willows Veterinary Centre and Referral Service, Solihull, West Midlands, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Crowe YC, Child G, Lam R, McGregor R. Congenital block vertebrae and intervertebral disc protrusion in a young cat. JFMS Open Rep 2019; 5:2055116919868037. [PMID: 31448128 PMCID: PMC6693030 DOI: 10.1177/2055116919868037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Case summary A 6-month-old domestic shorthair cat was evaluated for proprioceptive ataxia of the pelvic limbs. Over 2 months, the cat became poorly ambulatory, paraparetic with proprioceptive ataxia and developed a firm, distended bladder with intermittent overflow urinary incontinence. Block vertebrae (T1-3, T4-5 and T10-11) and lordosis were identified on radiographs of the vertebral column. MRI revealed T3/4 intervertebral disc protrusion with severe extradural compression, secondary syringohydromyelia caudal to the protrusion and generalised intervertebral disc disease throughout the cervical and thoracic vertebrae. Dorsal laminectomy at T3/4 resulted in resolution of paraparesis and marked improvement in coordination and strength. Block vertebrae are usually considered an incidental finding. In this patient, angular deformation (lordosis) and adjacent segment disease probably contributed to clinically significant intervertebral disc degeneration and protrusion. Relevance and novel information There are few case reports in the literature of multiple congenital vertebral malformations causing neurological deficits in cats. This is the first reported case of successful surgical management of intervertebral disc protrusion, possibly secondary to block vertebrae and lordosis in a cat.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Richard Lam
- Small Animal Specialist Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
De Decker S, Packer RMA, Cappello R, Harcourt-Brown TR, Rohdin C, Gomes SA, Bergknut N, Shaw TA, Lowrie M, Gutierrez-Quintana R. Comparison of signalment and computed tomography findings in French Bulldogs, Pugs, and English Bulldogs with and without clinical signs associated with thoracic hemivertebra. J Vet Intern Med 2019; 33:2151-2159. [PMID: 31407402 PMCID: PMC6766535 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.15556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although thoracic hemivertebra can cause neurological signs, they occur commonly in neurologically normal dogs. OBJECTIVES To evaluate whether computed tomography (CT) findings and factors associated with signalment can be used to differentiate between dogs with and without neurological signs associated with hemivertebra. ANIMALS One hundred sixty dogs with ≥1 hemivertebrae were retrospectively studied. This group consisted of 40 dogs with clinical signs caused by hemivertebra and 40 French Bulldogs, 40 Pugs, and 40 English Bulldogs that underwent CT for reasons unrelated to neurological disease. METHODS All dogs underwent CT and affected dogs also underwent magnetic resonance imaging. All CT studies were randomly evaluated by an observer blinded to signalment and clinical status. The following variables were evaluated: presence, number, location, and subtype of hemivertebra; presence of vertebral subluxation; severity of vertebral canal stenosis; presence, location, and severity of kyphosis, and number of vertebrae involved in the kyphotic segment. Statistical modeling was performed to identify factors associated with clinical status. RESULTS Pug breed (odds ration [OR], 10.8; P = .01), more severe kyphosis (OR, 1.1 per grade increase; P < .001), fewer instead of more observed hemivertebrae (OR, 0.8; P = 0.03), and ventrolateral hypoplasia hemivertebra subtype (OR, 4.0; P = .011) were associated with higher likelihood of neurological disease. A Cobb angle of 34.5 degrees corresponded with the highest combined sensitivity and specificity to differentiate between clinically affected and unaffected dogs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE The variables identified could aid in differentiating between clinically relevant and irrelevant hemivertebra in small breed brachycephalic dogs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Steven De Decker
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hatfield, United Kingdom
| | - Rowena M A Packer
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hatfield, United Kingdom
| | | | - Tom R Harcourt-Brown
- School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol, North Somerset, United Kingdom
| | - Cecilia Rohdin
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden.,Anicura, Albano Small Animal Hospital, Danderyd, Sweden
| | | | - Niklas Bergknut
- North Downs Specialist Referrals, Bletchingley, United Kingdom
| | - Tom A Shaw
- School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol, North Somerset, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Lowrie
- Dovecote Veterinary Hospital, Derby, United Kingdom
| | - Rodrigo Gutierrez-Quintana
- School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Bertram S, Ter Haar G, De Decker S. Congenital malformations of the lumbosacral vertebral column are common in neurologically normal French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, and Pugs, with breed-specific differences. Vet Radiol Ultrasound 2019; 60:400-408. [PMID: 31050057 DOI: 10.1111/vru.12753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2018] [Revised: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Congenital vertebral malformations are common findings on diagnostic imaging of the vertebral column in "screw-tailed" brachycephalic dogs. The aims of this study were to evaluate the prevalence and anatomical characteristics of lumbosacral congenital vertebral malformations in French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, and Pugs presenting for problems unrelated to spinal disease, as well as possible associations with the degree of tail malformation, lumbosacral intervertebral disc herniation, or spondylosis deformans. In this retrospective cross-sectional study, CT scans of vertebrae L6 to S3 and of the coccygeal vertebrae were reviewed for type of congenital vertebral malformations (hemivertebrae, block vertebrae, lumbosacral transitional vertebrae, and spina bifida), lumbosacral intervertebral disc herniation, lumbosacral spondylosis deformans, and degree of tail malformation. In 76 (51.0%) of the 149 included dogs (53 French Bulldogs, 37 English Bulldogs, and 59 Pugs) at least one type of congenital vertebral malformations was found, with lumbosacral transitional vertebrae being the most common (34.2%). There was a significantly higher prevalence of lumbosacral transitional vertebrae (54.2%) and lower prevalence of hemivertebrae (1.7%) in Pugs compared to English (13.5% and 24.3%, respectively) and French Bulldogs (26.4% and 32.0%, respectively). Tail malformation was significantly more severe in dogs with evidence of hemivertebrae. Congenital vertebral malformations are a common finding in the lumbosacral vertebral column of French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, and Pugs. These anatomical variances need to be considered when interpreting diagnostic studies and when planning for neurosurgical and neurodiagnostic procedures. Furthermore, this study suggests a possible association between the degree of tail malformation and lumbosacral hemivertebrae.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simon Bertram
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hatfield, UK
| | - Gert Ter Haar
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hatfield, UK.,Specialistische Dierenkliniek Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Steven De Decker
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hatfield, UK
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Ryan R, Gutierrez-Quintana R, Haar GT, De Decker S. Relationship between breed, hemivertebra subtype, and kyphosis in apparently neurologically normal French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, and Pugs. Am J Vet Res 2019; 80:189-194. [DOI: 10.2460/ajvr.80.2.189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
|
47
|
Rohdin C, Häggström J, Ljungvall I, Nyman Lee H, De Decker S, Bertram S, Lindblad-Toh K, Hultin Jäderlund K. Presence of thoracic and lumbar vertebral malformations in pugs with and without chronic neurological deficits. Vet J 2018; 241:24-30. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2018.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2018] [Revised: 09/08/2018] [Accepted: 09/11/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
|
48
|
Mathiesen CB, de la Puerta B, Groth AM, Rutherford S, Cappello R. Ventral stabilization of thoracic kyphosis through bilateral intercostal thoracotomies using SOP (String of Pearls) plates contoured after a 3-dimensional print of the spine. Vet Surg 2018; 47:843-851. [PMID: 30094860 DOI: 10.1111/vsu.12939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2017] [Revised: 12/30/2017] [Accepted: 02/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe a novel vertebral body stabilization and report its outcome in dogs with thoracic kyphosis and secondary myelopathy. STUDY DESIGN Case series. ANIMALS Six pugs with thoracic kyphosis and secondary myelopathy. METHODS Medical records (2012-2017) of dogs with chronic progressive pelvic limb ataxia and ambulatory proprioceptive paraparesis due to thoracic kyphosis were reviewed. Dogs were evaluated via MRI and computed tomography. A 3-dimensional print of the kyphotic vertebral segment was used to precontour the SOP (String of Pearls) plates. Bilateral double, dorsal intercostal thoracotomies were performed to place precontoured SOP on the vertebral bodies. Long-term (6-16 months) clinical outcome was determined on the basis of neurological scoring (NS) and owner questionnaire. RESULTS The only intraoperative complication consisted of a lung laceration due to preexisting adhesions. Postoperative complications included seroma formation (n = 2) and incidental radiographic evidence of screw breakage (n = 2). NS at presentation ranged between 2 and 4 and improved to 1 at long-term follow-up in all dogs but 1 (NS = 2). All owners felt that their dog had excellent quality of life at follow-up. CONCLUSION In spite of the challenging local anatomy, all dogs undergoing vertebral stabilization with SOP placement experienced a good clinical outcome. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Stabilization of vertebral bodies with precontoured SOP placed through bilateral thoracotomies may be considered as a treatment option for dogs with thoracic kyphosis and secondary myelopathy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Anna M Groth
- North Downs Specialist Referrals, Bletchingley, United Kingdom
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Brocal J, De Decker S, José-López R, Guevar J, Ortega M, Parkin T, Ter Haar G, Gutierrez-Quintana R. Evaluation of radiography as a screening method for detection and characterisation of congenital vertebral malformations in dogs. Vet Rec 2018. [DOI: 10.1136/vr.104388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Josep Brocal
- School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow; Glasgow UK
| | - Steven De Decker
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences; Royal Veterinary College, University of London; Hatfield UK
| | - Roberto José-López
- School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow; Glasgow UK
| | - Julien Guevar
- School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow; Glasgow UK
| | - Maria Ortega
- Neurology service; Centro Clinico Veterinario Indautxu; Bilbao Bizkaia Spain
| | - Tim Parkin
- School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow; Glasgow UK
| | - Gert Ter Haar
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences; Royal Veterinary College, University of London; Hatfield UK
| | - Rodrigo Gutierrez-Quintana
- School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow; Glasgow UK
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Proks P, Stehlik L, Nyvltova I, Necas A, Vignoli M, Jekl V. Vertebral formula and congenital abnormalities of the vertebral column in rabbits. Vet J 2018; 236:80-88. [PMID: 29871755 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2018.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2017] [Revised: 04/21/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this retrospective study of 330 rabbits (164 males, 166 females) was to determine different vertebral formulas and prevalence of congenital vertebral anomalies in rabbits from radiographs of the cervical (C), thoracic (Th), lumbar (L) and sacral (S) segments of the vertebral column. The number of vertebrae in each segment of vertebral column, position of anticlinal vertebra and localisation and type of congenital abnormalities were recorded. In 280/330 rabbits (84.8%) with normal vertebral morphology, seven vertebral formulas were identified: C7/Th12/L7/S4 (252/330, 76.4%), C7/Th12/L6/S4 (11/330, 3.3%), C7/Th13/L7/S4 (8/330, 2.4%), C7/Th12/L7/S5 (4/330, 1.2%), C7/Th12/L8/S4 (3/330, 0.9%), C7/Th12/L7/S6 (1/330, 0.3%) and C7/Th11/L7/S4 (1/330, 0.3%). The anticlinal vertebra was identified as Th10 in 56.4% of rabbits and Th11 in 42.4% of rabbits. Congenital spinal abnormalities were identified in 50/330 (15.2%) rabbits, predominantly as a single pathology (n=44). Transitional vertebrae represented the most common abnormalities (n=41 rabbits) in the thoracolumbar (n=35) and lumbosacral segments (n=6). Five variants of thoracolumbar transitional vertebrae were identified. Cervical butterfly vertebrae were detected in three rabbits. One rabbit exhibited three congenital vertebral anomalies: cervical block vertebra, thoracic hemivertebra and thoracolumbar transitional vertebra. Five rabbits exhibited congenital vertebral abnormalities with concurrent malalignment, specifically cervical kyphosis/short vertebra (n=1), thoracic lordoscoliosis/thoracolumbar transitional vertebrae (n=1), thoracic kyphoscoliosis/wedge vertebrae (n=2) and thoracolumbar lordoscoliosis/thoracolumbar transitional vertebrae/lumbosacral transitional vertebrae (n=1). These findings suggest that vertebral columns in rabbits display a wide range of morphologies, with occasional congenital malformations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P Proks
- Small Animal Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Czech Republic; Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC), Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - L Stehlik
- Small Animal Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Czech Republic
| | - I Nyvltova
- Small Animal Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Czech Republic
| | - A Necas
- Small Animal Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Czech Republic
| | - M Vignoli
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Piano D́Accio, 641 00, Teramo, Italy
| | - V Jekl
- Avian and Exotic Animal Clinics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|