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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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Costica Toader Covasa
- Department of Preclinics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences, Iasi, Romania
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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.
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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
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Belhaoues F, Breit S, Forstenpointner G, Gardeisen A. Sexual dimorphism in limb long bones of the German Shepherd Dog. Anat Histol Embryol 2020; 49:464-477. [PMID: 32157727 DOI: 10.1111/ahe.12550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The study of sexual dimorphism in dog anatomy, especially with regard to skeletal elements, has received little attention. The present work focuses on elements of the canine stylo- and zeugopodium, less documented than the skull or pelvis in the literature. In order to identify only sex-dependent effects, we analysed a single breed: the German Shepherd Dog. Data come from 25 dogs, with a balanced sex ratio (12 males and 13 females). Four skeletal elements of the forelimb and hindlimb (humerus, radius, femur, tibia) were each measured using seven linear morphometric variables. Univariate and multivariate analyses were then performed on these 28 variables. For all measurements, males are on average larger than females, with a mean sexual dimorphism ratio of 1.07. Sexual dimorphism is significant for 92.8% of the variables. Except of femoral measurements, diaphyseal values show the highest grade of sexual dimorphism. The mean level of disparity is higher in the forelimb (1.08) than in the hindlimb (1.05). A significant dimorphism is shown for the first component of principal component analyses conducted on each skeletal element, and for the second component with humerus measurements. Discriminant functions for sex identification give success rates included between 82% for the radius and 93% for the femur, the latter providing the highest reported score for sex identification in dogs from any skeletal element. These complementary statistic methods highlight a more dimorphic forelimb in size and a more dimorphic hindlimb in shape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabien Belhaoues
- UMR 5140 Archaeology of Mediterranean Societies, French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS), LabEx ARCHIMEDE, IA-ANR-11-LABX-0032-01 program, University Paul-Valéry Montpellier 3, Montpellier, France
| | - Sabine Breit
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Topographic Anatomy, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gerhard Forstenpointner
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Topographic Anatomy, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Armelle Gardeisen
- UMR 5140 Archaeology of Mediterranean Societies, French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS), LabEx ARCHIMEDE, IA-ANR-11-LABX-0032-01 program, University Paul-Valéry Montpellier 3, Montpellier, France
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Asymmetrical lumbosacral transitional vertebrae in dogs may promote asymmetrical hip joint development. Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2017; 30:137-142. [DOI: 10.3415/vcot-16-05-0072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2016] [Accepted: 11/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Summary
Objectives: This study examines the relationship between the morphology of the lumbosacral transitional vertebra (LTV) and asymmetrical development of the hip joints in dogs.
Methods: A total of 4000 dogs which had been consecutively scored for canine hip dysplasia were checked for the presence of a LTV. A LTV was noted in 138 dogs and classified depending on the morphology of the transverse processes and the degree of contact with the ilium.
Results: In dogs with an asymmetrical LTV, the hip joint was significantly more predis-posed to subluxation and malformation on the side of the intermediate or sacral-like transverse process (p <0.01), on the side of the elevated pelvis (p <0.01), or when an asymmetrical LTV resulted in pelvic rotation on its long axis (p <0.01), whereas hip joint conformation was less affected on the side featuring a free transverse process (p <0.01).
Clinical significance: The results support our hypothesis that an asymmetrical LTV favours pelvic rotation over its long axis, resulting in inadequate femoral head coverage by the acetabulum on one side. Inadequate coverage of the femoral head favours subluxation, malformation of the hip joint, and secondary osteoarthritis. Asymmetrical hip conformation may therefore be the sequela of a LTV and mask or aggravate genetically induced canine hip dysplasia.
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Moeser CF, Wade CM. Relationship between transitional lumbosacral vertebrae and eight lumbar vertebrae in a breeding colony of Labrador Retrievers and Labrador Crosses. Aust Vet J 2017; 95:33-36. [DOI: 10.1111/avj.12547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2015] [Revised: 05/24/2016] [Accepted: 06/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- CF Moeser
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences; Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006; Australia
| | - CM Wade
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences; Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006; Australia
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Komsta R, Łojszczyk-Szczepaniak A, Dębiak P. Lumbosacral Transitional Vertebrae, Canine Hip Dysplasia, and Sacroiliac Joint Degenerative Changes on Ventrodorsal Radiographs of the Pelvis in Police Working German Shepherd Dogs. Top Companion Anim Med 2015; 30:10-5. [DOI: 10.1053/j.tcam.2015.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2014] [Revised: 02/20/2015] [Accepted: 02/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Abstract
Lumbosacral transitional vertebra is a common congenital anomaly of the spine in dogs. It is a predisposing factor for degeneration of the lumbosacral spine and development of cauda equina syndrome or hip dysplasia in affected dogs. The aim of the study was to determine breed predisposition, types, and prevalence of lumbosacral transitional vertebrae in the canine population in the Czech Republic. The value of laterolateral radiographs of the lumbosacral junction in the diagnosis of LTV was also evaluated. Prevalence of lumbosacral transitional vertebrae was determined by reviewing ventrodorsal radiographs of pelvis with an extended hip of 1,878 dogs. Lumbosacral transitional vertebrae were detected in 188 dogs (10%). German Shepherd, Alaskan Malamute and Bohemian Shepherd were found to be highly predisposed breeds. The most common type of lumbosacral transitional vertebra was type II with separation of the first sacral vertebra from sacrum and presence of rudimentary intervertebral space between S1 and the sacral median crest (37.8% of the lumbosacral transitional vertebrae). Type I was detected in 29.2% and the asymmetric type of the lumbosacral transitional vertebra (type III) in 33%. Laterolateral radiograph of the lumbosacral spine was evaluated in 126 dogs from 188 with lumbosacral transitional vertebrae. Rudimentary intervertebral disc space between S1 and S2 in laterolateral radiographs was detected in 100% of lumbosacral transitional vertebrae with type II and III, and was not detected in type I. The findings on lumbosacral transitional vertebrae in the Czech Republic will extend knowledge about the disease. Both ventrodorsal hip-extended and laterolateral radiographs should be recommended for routine screening and reliable differentiation among the three different types of lumbosacral transitional vertebra.
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Ondreka N, Amort KH, Stock KF, Tellhelm B, Klumpp SW, Kramer M, Schmidt MJ. Skeletal morphology and morphometry of the lumbosacral junction in German shepherd dogs and an evaluation of the possible genetic basis for radiographic findings. Vet J 2013; 196:64-70. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2012.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2012] [Revised: 07/11/2012] [Accepted: 07/12/2012] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Jones JC, Gonzalez LM, Larson MM, Freeman LE, Werre SR. Feasibility and accuracy of ultrasound-guided sacroiliac joint injection in dogs. Vet Radiol Ultrasound 2012; 53:446-54. [PMID: 22548612 DOI: 10.1111/j.1740-8261.2011.01920.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2011] [Accepted: 12/21/2011] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Frozen cadaver specimens from three dogs were used to create a sectional anatomic atlas of the sacroiliac region. Frozen/thawed cadaver specimens from 12 dogs were used to develop an ultrasound-guided sacroiliac joint injection technique. Accuracy of the technique was tested in 15 additional canine cadaver specimens, using injectate containing blue dye and iodinated contrast medium. Sonoanatomic landmarks for consistently identifying a caudodorsal window into the canine sacroiliac joint space included the L7-S1 articular process joints, ilial wing, sacral wing, sacral lamina, and median sacral crest. Accuracy of ultrasound-guided sacroiliac joint injection was not significantly affected by operator, but was affected by the tissue location targeted and the reference standard used for calculations. Accuracy of the technique was good for placing injectate into either the synchondrosis component, dorsal sacroiliac ligament or ventral sacroiliac ligament; fair to poor for placing injectate into the synovial component; and poor for placing injectate into all four sacroiliac soft tissue structures. Concurrent placement of injectate into extraarticular tissues occurred frequently. We conclude that ultrasound-guided sacroiliac joint injection is feasible for evaluation as a treatment method for lumbosacral region pain in dogs, but is not sufficiently accurate for localizing pain to the sacroiliac joint alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeryl C Jones
- West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA.
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Lappalainen AK, Salomaa R, Junnila J, Snellman M, Laitinen-Vapaavuori O. Alternative classification and screening protocol for transitional lumbosacral vertebra in German shepherd dogs. Acta Vet Scand 2012; 54:27. [PMID: 22549019 PMCID: PMC3403972 DOI: 10.1186/1751-0147-54-27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2012] [Accepted: 05/01/2012] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Lumbosacral transitional vertebra (LTV) is a common congenital and hereditary anomaly in many dog breeds. It predisposes to premature degeneration of the lumbosacral junction, and is a frequent cause of cauda equina syndrome, especially in German shepherd dogs. Ventrodorsal hip radiographs are most often used in diagnosis of LTV in screening programs. In this study, value of laterolateral lumbar spine radiographs as additions to ventrodorsal radiographs in diagnosis of LTV, and characteristics of LTV and the eighth lumbar vertebra (L8) in laterolateral radiographs were studied. Additionally, computed tomography (CT) features of different types of LTV were elucidated. Methods The ventrodorsal pelvic and laterolateral lumbar spine radiographs of 228 German shepherd dogs were evaluated for existence and type of LTV. Morphology of transverse processes was used in classification of LTV in ventrodorsal radiographs. The relative length of sixth (L6) and seventh (L7) vertebrae (L6/L7) was used in characterization of these vertebrae in laterolateral radiographs. CT studies were available for 16 dogs, and they were used for more detailed characterization of different types of LTV. Non-parametric χ2 statistics, generalized logit model for multinomial data, and one-way analysis of variance was used for statistical analyses. Results In all, 92 (40%) dogs had a LTV, the most common type being separation of first spinous process from the median crest of the sacrum in 62 dogs (67% of LTV). Eight dogs had eight lumbar vertebrae. Those dogs with LTV had longer L7 in relation to L6 than dogs with normal lumbosacral junctions. When L6/L7 decreased by 0.1 units, the proportion of dogs belonging to the group with L8 was 14-fold higher than in the group with normal lumbosacral junctions. L8 resembled first sacral vertebra (S1) in length and position and was therefore classified as one type of LTV. With CT it was shown that categorizing LTV, based on shape and visibility of transverse processes seen in ventrodorsal radiographs, could be misleading. Conclusions We suggest that L8 be included as a part of the LTV complex, and the laterolateral radiographs of the lumbar spine be considered as an addition to ventrodorsal projections in the screening protocols for LTV.
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Newitt A, German AJ, Barr FJ. Congenital abnormalities of the feline vertebral column. Vet Radiol Ultrasound 2008; 49:35-41. [PMID: 18251292 DOI: 10.1111/j.1740-8261.2007.00314.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Radiographs of vertebral segments from 200 cats were retrospectively assessed to determine the incidence of congenital axial skeletal abnormalities. The axial skeleton was divided into cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and caudal segments and the presence and types of congenital abnormalities present were recorded for each segment. A total of 598 axial skeletal segments were examined. Congenital abnormalities were found in 46 cats and involved 54 spinal segments. Block vertebrae were identified in three cats. No hemivertebrae or spina bifida were noted. Transitional abnormalities were most common, and were identified in 51 spinal segments. Abnormalities at the sacrocaudal junction were the most common of these; 19 examples were found. The second most common transitional abnormality was thoracicization of L1, with 18 such cats identified. Extra ribs on L1 were often smaller and fragmented and it may be possible for an inexperienced clinician to confuse these with rib fractures. The last rib(s) are also often used for anatomic localization of surgical procedures; the presence of a transitional lumbar vertebra with one or two extra ribs introduces the possibility of error or confusion about choice of surgical site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Newitt
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Science, University of Liverpool, Small Animal Teaching Hospital, Crown Street, Liverpool, L7 7EX, UK.
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Damur-Djuric N, Steffen F, Hässig M, Morgan JP, Flückiger MA. LUMBOSACRAL TRANSITIONAL VERTEBRAE IN DOGS: CLASSIFICATION, PREVALENCE, AND ASSOCIATION WITH SACROILIAC MORPHOLOGY. Vet Radiol Ultrasound 2006; 47:32-8. [PMID: 16429982 DOI: 10.1111/j.1740-8261.2005.00102.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of lumbosacral transitional vertebrae (LTV) was determined by reviewing the pelvic radiographs of 4000 medium- and large-breed dogs of 144 breeds routinely screened for canine hip dysplasia. An LTV was seen in 138 (3.5%) dogs. The prevalence was higher in German Shepherd dogs and Greater Swiss Mountain dogs than in the other breeds, suggesting a genetic predisposition. There was no gender predisposition. The transverse processes of the LTV were divided into three types based on their morphological characteristics: lumbar type or type 1; intermediate type or type 2; and sacral type or type 3. In a symmetric LTV, both transverse processes are of the same type, while in an asymmetric LTV they are not. The frequency of occurrence of symmetric and asymmetric LTV was similar. In symmetric LTV, intermediate-type transverse processes predominated. Most of the asymmetric LTV had an intermediate-type transverse process combined with a lumbar or sacral type, respectively. Highly asymmetric LTV were often angled relative to the adjacent vertebrae. We hypothesize that an LTV is not the result of transformation of a lumbar into a sacral vertebra or vice versa, but rather is an autonomous intermediate type of vertebra. It occurs when the point of contact of the pelvis with the vertebral column is slightly cranial or caudal to its normal position. The resulting formative stimulus on the vertebral ossification centers, sagittally still separated, causes the various morphologies seen in LTV including the asymmetric variations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natascha Damur-Djuric
- Section of Neurology, Department of Small Animal Clinics, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland
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Flückiger MA, Damur-Djuric N, Hässig M, Morgan JP, Steffen F. A LUMBOSACRAL TRANSITIONAL VERTEBRA IN THE DOG PREDISPOSES TO CAUDA EQUINA SYNDROME. Vet Radiol Ultrasound 2006; 47:39-44. [PMID: 16429983 DOI: 10.1111/j.1740-8261.2005.00103.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The association between the occurrence of a lumbosacral transitional vertebra (LTV) and the cauda equina syndrome (CES) in dogs was investigated. In 4000 control dogs without signs of CES, 3.5% had an LTV, while in 92 dogs with CES, 16.3% had an LTV. The lesion causing CES always occurred between the last true lumbar vertebra and the LTV. Dogs with an LTV were eight times more likely to develop CES than dogs without an LTV. German Shepherd dogs were eight times more likely to develop CES compared with other breeds. Male dogs were twice as likely to develop CES than females. Dogs with an LTV develop CES 1-2 years earlier than dogs without an LTV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A Flückiger
- Section of Diagnostic Imaging and Radio-Oncology, Department of Small Animal Clinics, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland.
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Scharf G, Steffen F, Grünenfelder F, Morgan JP, Flückiger M. The lumbosacral junction in working german shepherd dogs -- neurological and radiological evaluation. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2004; 51:27-32. [PMID: 15086508 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0442.2004.00587.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The clinical and radiological incidence of lumbosacral (LS) disease was studied on 57 German Shepherd dogs (GSDs) used in active service. The study included a clinical history, a neurological examination, and plain radiographs of the caudal lumbar vertebrae. The neurological examinations revealed lower back pain and/or neural deficits in 21 dogs, of which 14 had a history of pain or pelvic gait abnormalities. Radiographic findings were spondylosis at L7-S1, degeneration of L7-S1 disc, LS malalignment, transitional LS vertebrae and/or primary spinal canal stenosis in 15 dogs with neurological abnormalities and/or back pain and in 18 dogs with no clinical signs. No correlation between the neurological and the radiographic findings were found. This study demonstrates that even prominent radiographic LS abnormalities are of minimal value in the evaluation of LS disease in the GSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Scharf
- Department of Small Animals, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterhurerstrasse 260, CH 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
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Knaus I, Breit S, Künzel W, Mayrhofer E. Appearance and incidence of sacroiliac joint disease in ventrodorsal radiographs of the canine pelvis. Vet Radiol Ultrasound 2004; 45:1-9. [PMID: 15005354 DOI: 10.1111/j.1740-8261.2004.04001.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Ventrodorsal (VD) radiographs of cadaveric pelves of large and giant breeds (n = 40) and of the corresponding bone specimens were made. Gross changes seen in the specimens were marked with metal wire or radiopaque paint to relate radiographic changes to the postmortem appearance of degenerative sacroiliac (SI) joint lesions. Two positioning techniques were used, resulting in two radiographs for each specimen. The techniques used were: (1) pulling the pelvic limbs caudally, with gentle traction producing a view of the sacrum in almost parallel alignment between the sacrum and the X-ray film (we have termed this a "central SI view") and (2) pulling the pelvic limbs caudally with greater traction than above, resulting in maximal inclination of the sacrum with respect to the X-ray film (we have termed this an "angled SI view"). Lesions of the supportive soft connective tissue could be imaged on the central and angled SI views, whereas angled SI views allowed better identification of lesions of the synovial SI joint. The insights gained in the above study were then used in a retrospective examination of 145 routine ventrodorsal radiographs of the pelvis (i.e., 290 sacroiliac joints) to determine the incidence of degenerative changes of the SI joint in large dogs. The lesions most commonly observed were calcification of the supportive soft connective tissue (n = 184/290), whereas lesions of the synovial SI joint were less frequent (n = 86/290). The degree of central or angled projection obtained in standard ventrodorsal radiographs was noted to be significantly (P < 0.05) associated with age, body conformation, anesthetic status, and the presence of spondylosis deformans at the lumbosacral junction. In contrast, SI joint disease and the gender of the animal did not affect the SI view achieved in VD radiographs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris Knaus
- The Institute of Anatomy, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
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