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van Renen J, Kehl A, Buhmann G, Matiasek LA, Zablotski Y, Fischer A. Allele frequency of a genetic risk variant for necrotizing meningoencephalitis in pug dogs from Europe and association with the clinical phenotype. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1407288. [PMID: 38840637 PMCID: PMC11150678 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1407288] [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: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Necrotizing meningoencephalitis (NME) in pugs is a potentially fatal disease, which needs lifelong treatment with immunosuppressive or immunomodulatory drugs and shares parallels with acute fulminating multiple sclerosis. Genetic variants of the DLA class II gene are associated with an increased risk for NME. Genetic testing is recommended prior to breeding. The aim of this study was to describe the current allele frequency of a previously identified NME risk variant in the European pug population. A secondary aim was to investigate the association of the NME risk variant with the clinical phenotype in pugs. Methods Results of genetic testing for the CFA12:2605517delC variant in European pugs between 2012 and 2020 were retrieved (n = 5,974). A validated questionnaire was mailed to all submitters of samples for further information on neurological signs, diagnostic tests, and disease course. Results The allele frequency of the CFA12 NME risk variant was 25.7% in the European pug population dogs; 7.4% of the dogs were homozygous and 36.7% were heterozygous for the NME risk variant on CFA12. Completed questionnaires were available in 203 dogs including 25 dogs with epileptic seizures or other neurological signs. The clinical phenotype was consistent with NME in 3.9% with a median age of onset of 1.0 years, and indicative of idiopathic epilepsy in 2.9% with a median onset of 2.5 years. Eleven dogs remained unclassified. Pugs with the NME phenotype were significantly more frequently homozygous for the NME risk variant on CFA12 compared to pugs ≥6 years without neurological signs or seizures (p = 0.008). Discussion The CFA12:2605517delC genetic risk variant is widely distributed in the European pug population and frequently homozygous in pugs with a NME phenotype. The data support the clinical relevance of the CFA12:2605517delC genetic risk variant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana van Renen
- Small Animal Clinic, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Alexandra Kehl
- Laboklin, Bad Kissingen, Germany
- Comparative Experimental Pathology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
| | - Gesine Buhmann
- Small Animal Clinic, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Lara A. Matiasek
- Small Animal Clinic, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Yury Zablotski
- Small Animal Clinic, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Andrea Fischer
- Small Animal Clinic, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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Banks C, Beever L, Kaye B, Foo M, Ter Haar G, Rutherford L. Influence of extreme brachycephalic conformation on perioperative complications associated with total ear canal ablation and lateral bulla osteotomy in 242 dogs (2010-2020). Vet Surg 2023. [PMID: 37128636 DOI: 10.1111/vsu.13964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the influence of extreme brachycephalic conformation on presenting signs, imaging findings, intraoperative and perioperative complications following total ear canal ablation and lateral bulla osteotomy (TECA-LBO). STUDY DESIGN Cross-sectional retrospective study. ANIMALS A total of 306 (n = 242 dogs) TECA-LBOs (extreme brachycephalic breeds [EBB] = 81, other breeds [OB] = 225). METHODS Medical records of patients undergoing TECA-LBO at a single referral institution (2010-2022) were evaluated. RESULTS Extreme brachycephalic breeds most commonly presented acutely, at a younger age with oto-neurological signs (46/81, 56.8%). Chronic otitis externa without neurological signs (171/225, 76.0%) was most common in OBs. Extreme brachycephalic breeds preoperatively presented more frequently with facial nerve paresis (p = .001), vestibular syndrome (p = .001), and Horner's syndrome (p = .002) compared to OBs. On diagnostic imaging, bilateral changes (p = .038), aural masses (p = .045), para-aural abscesses (p = .011), otitis interna (p = .001), and brainstem changes (p = .001) were more common in EBBs. The apparent difference in intraoperative complication rate between EBBs (9/81, 11.1%) and OBs (12/225, 5.3%) did not reach statistical significance (p = .078). Perioperative complications occurred in 85/306 (27.8%) of TECA-LBOs with no difference in perioperative complication rate between EBBs (19/81, 23.5%) and OBs (66/225, 29.3%) (p = .586). CONCLUSION Extreme brachycephalic breeds are more likely to present for TECA-LBO acutely, with neurological signs and more advanced diagnostic imaging abnormalities. Intra- and perioperative complication rates did not differ between EBBs and OBs. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Despite being subjectively more technically challenging, TECA-LBO did not result in more surgical complications in EBBs. Reported data are useful for effectively informing clients of the specific risks of TECA-LBO surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Banks
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, Queen Mother Hospital for Animals, Royal Veterinary College, London, UK
| | - Lee Beever
- Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Benjamin Kaye
- Southpaws Speciality and Referral Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Merianna Foo
- Southpaws Speciality and Referral Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Gert Ter Haar
- Anicura Specialistische Dierenkliniek Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Lynda Rutherford
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, Queen Mother Hospital for Animals, Royal Veterinary College, London, UK
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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.
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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
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6
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Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2022; 52:749-780. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2022.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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7
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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.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Fred Wininger
- Charlotte Animal Referral and EmergencyCharlotteNorth CarolinaUSA
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8
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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10
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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.
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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
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11
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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]
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12
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Lourinho F, Holdsworth A, McConnell JF, Gonçalves R, Gutierrez-Quintana R, Morales C, Lowrie M, Trevail R, Carrera I. Clinical features and MRI characteristics of presumptive constrictive myelopathy in 27 pugs. Vet Radiol Ultrasound 2020; 61:545-554. [PMID: 32583954 DOI: 10.1111/vru.12890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Revised: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Constrictive myelopathy has been described in pugs with paraparesis and is characterized by fibrous connective and granulation tissue within the dura mater causing spinal cord compression and focal gliosis. An association between constrictive myelopathy and caudal articular process (CAP) dysplasia is suspected; however, some studies have reported CAP dysplasia as an incidental finding. The imaging appearance of constrictive myelopathy is currently limited to a small number of cases. The aim of this multicenter, retrospective, descriptive study was to detail the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics and to correlate these with clinical signs of presumptive constrictive myelopathy in pugs. Medical databases from five veterinary referral hospitals were reviewed to identify pugs with pelvic limb ataxia and paresis, that had a complete record of signalment, neurological examination, and MRI of the thoracolumbar spinal cord. The exclusion criteria were pugs with other conditions, such as unequivocal subarachnoid diverticula, hemivertebrae causing vertebral canal stenosis, intervertebral disc extrusions/protrusions, and multifocal/diffuse lesions. Twenty-seven pugs met the inclusion criteria. All cases were ambulatory with paraparesis and ataxia. Nearly 60% were incontinent. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a focal myelopathy in all cases showing one or more of the following lesions: CAP dysplasia (25/27), focal subarachnoid space irregular margination (26/27) with circumferential or dorsal contrast enhancement (10/12), and a symmetric V-shaped ventral extradural lesion (23/27). This study describes specific MRI features of pugs with presumptive constrictive myelopathy, which authors hypothesize to be a consequence of chronic micro-motion. Our results may help in diagnosing and subsequently treating this condition, which may warrant vertebral stabilization.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - J Fraser McConnell
- Department of Veterinary Science, Small Animal Teaching Hospital, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Rita Gonçalves
- Department of Veterinary Science, Small Animal Teaching Hospital, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | | | - Carles Morales
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Ars Veterinary Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mark Lowrie
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Dovecote Veterinary Hospital, Derby, UK
| | | | - Ines Carrera
- Radiology Department, Willows Referral Centre, Solihull, UK
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13
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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