Genetic background of lumbosacral transitional vertebrae in German shepherd dogs

Transitional, fused and/or supernumerary vertebrae in the lumbosacrocaudal region of the spine - A reality in many domestic mammals

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.

Ethical Concerns about Fashionable Dog Breeding

The historical relationship between humans and dogs has involved selective breeding for various purposes, such as hunting, guarding, and service roles. However, over time, there has been a shift in preferences from functionality to aesthetics, which has influenced the diverse sizes, shapes, and coats of dog breeds. This review looks at fashionable dog breeding and questions the ethics of prioritising looks over health and behaviour. It aims to alert potential owners, breeders, and regulators to the importance of considering a dog's overall well-being, not just its appearance, which has resulted in fad breeding, leading to genetic disorders, health issues, and a loss of biodiversity. Ethical concerns arise from breeding brachycephalic breeds with respiratory conditions, inbreeding causing inherited disorders, and overbreeding popular breeds while shelter dogs remain unadopted. Additionally, the impact of cosmetic surgeries on popular dog breeds, as well as the neglect of behavioural traits in favour of physical characteristics and strict breeding practices are also considered. The current breeding model can have a negative impact on the emotional and cognitive well-being of dogs, resulting in issues such as aggression, anxiety, and other behavioural problems that can significantly reduce their overall quality of life. Unregulated breeding practices and the demand for rare breeds can lead to illegal breeding, compromising animal welfare. Prospective owners, veterinarians, kennel clubs, and legislators all need to play a responsible role in protecting animals.

Lumbosacral transitional vertebra in 14 dog breeds in Norway: Occurrence, risk factors and association with hip dysplasia

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.

Canine Mobility Maintenance and Promotion of a Healthy Lifestyle

This article highlights the recommendations and considerations for maintaining a healthy canine lifestyle. A key component of a healthy lifestyle is the enhancement and optimization of mobility. Mobility is essential in maintaining a high quality of life and involves the interplay of a dog's structure, posture, body condition score, physical exercise, and a healthy human-animal bond throughout a dog's lifetime.