Prevalence of lumbosacral transitional vertebrae in dogs in the Czech Republic (original) (raw)
Related papers
Acta Veterinaria …, 2012
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 χ 2 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.
Asymmetric lumbosacral transitional vertebra (LTV) type-3 in a German shepherd dog: a case report
Iranian Journal of Veterinary Surgery, 2011
Case Description- In the present study, a seven-year-old German shepherd female dog was referred to Veterinary Hospital of Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, with a two-week history of intermittent lameness and lumbosacral pain. Clinical Findings- On general examination, the vital parameters were within normal limits. A ventrodorsal (VD) radiograph of the pelvis and lumbosacral spine was taken and asymmetric lumbosacral transitional vertebra (LTV) type-3 was diagnosed. The authors describe a case of LTV in detail, on the basis of the clinical and radiological findings. Treatment and Outcome- In the present study, we suggested surgery (laminectomy), but the owner requested euthanasia for the high-cost of medical care. Clinical Relevance- Lumbosacral transitional vertebra is a heritable disease that is frequently diagnosed in German shepherd dogs. This disorder is a risk factor for the development of vertebral instability and cauda equina syndrome (CES). This condition is thought to ...
Genetic background of lumbosacral transitional vertebrae in German shepherd dogs
Journal of Small Animal Practice, 2021
ObjectivesEstimation of genetic parameters of lumbosacral transitional vertebrae based on data derived from radiographic screening of 27,597 German shepherd dogs.Materials and MethodsResults 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.ResultsEstimations 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 SignificanceResults of comprehensive genetic analyses enable the development of breeding measures against lumbosacral transitional vertebr...
2023
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.
Acta veterinaria Hungarica, 2016
A prospective study to create radiographic classification of caudal vertebral anomalies in dogs was performed and the prevalence of the disorders estimated. Radiographic examination of the caudal vertebrae was performed in 595 client-owned dogs undergoing routine radiological examination of the hip joints. Anomalies of the caudal vertebrae were divided into four groups: (1) congenital anomalies with aberrant fusion of the vertebral epiphysis, like hemivertebra, block or transitional vertebra; (2) morphological anomalies like vertebra curva and dysplastic vertebral epiphysis; (3) post-traumatic changes, represented by fracture or luxation; and (4) degenerative changes, represented by spondylosis, osteophyte formation and mineralisation of intervertebral spaces. A total of 303 caudal vertebral anomalies were detected in 259 dogs (43.53% of all dogs examined). A single type of vertebral anomaly was present in 215 dogs and a combination of two pathologies was recorded in 44 dogs, which ...
Asymmetric lumbosacral transitional vertebra and subsequent disc protrusion in a cocker spaniel
The Canadian Veterinary Journal La Revue Veterinaire Canadienne, 2010
A 10-year-old cocker spaniel bitch presented with severe lumbosacral pain and acute onset left pelvic limb lameness. A diagnosis of asymmetric lumbosacral transitional vertebra with disc protrusion at L6-L7 was made by computed tomography. The cauda equina and left L6 nerve root were surgically decompressed with a dorsal laminectomy and lateral foraminotomy, which led to rapid resolution of the clinical signs. Résumé-Vertèbre transitionnelle lombo-sacrée asymétrique et protrusion subséquente du disque chez un Cocker spaniel. Une femelle Cocker Spaniel âgée de 10 ans a été présentée avec de graves douleurs lombo-sacrées et l'apparition aiguë d'une boiterie de la patte arrière gauche. Un diagnostic de vertèbre transitionnelle lombo-sacrée asymétrique avec protrusion du disque a été posé à la racine L6-L7 par tomographie par ordinateur. La queue de cheval et la racine nerveuse L6 ont été décomprimées par chirurgie à l'aide d'une laminectomie dorsale et d'une foraminotomie latérale, ce qui a produit une résolution rapide des signes cliniques.
Slovenian Veterinary Research, 2016
The objective of this study was to assess the radiologic differences and the incidence of clinical and radiological signs of degenerative lumbosacral stenosis (DLSS) in 36 active working dogs; 24 German Shepherd (GSDs) and 12 Belgian Shepherd (Malinois; MNs). The medical record was evaluated and pertinent historical data recorded. Thorough clinical and neurological examinations were performed, as well as plain and contrast radiography (myelography) of caudal lumbal and sacral vertebrae. Thirty-three (92%) dogs were able to perform their duties without restrictions. Three (8%) dogs were excluded from active duty due to DLSS (2 dogs) or thoracolumbar disc disease (1 dog). Sixteen GSDs showed clinical signs of DLSS, and the most consistent finding was lower back pain (15 of 16; 94%). Radiological signs of DLSS were confirmed in 10 of them. The differences between GSDs and MNs were found in the bodyweight (GSDs>MNs; p<0.001) and anatomical conformation of the lumbosacral area, whi...
Vertebral Malformations in French Bulldogs
İstanbul Üniversitesi Veteriner Fakültesi Dergisi, 2017
The aim of this study was to detect vertebral malformations among French Bulldogs admitted between the years 2011-2016 due to the high popularity of the breed and the intentions to increase the breed welfare by reducing the occurrence of congenital anomalies. Besides, we aimed to look for gender predisposition, possible vertebral predisposition, occurrence of clinical symptoms and radiographic findings. A total of 73 French Bulldogs met the inclusion criteria (radiographs of the whole spine). In 67.12% (49) dogs we confirmed a vertebral anomaly and 32.88% (24) dogs were free of any vertebral anomaly. We identified a total of 67 abnormal vertebrae in 49 dogs, 13 cervical vertebrae (19.4%), 43 thoracic vertebrae (64.2%), and 11 abnormal lumbar vertebrae (16.4%). In this study, we found 44 hemivertebrae (65.7%) out of 67 abnormal vertebrae. We identified 64.4% (47/73) dogs with clinical signs (30 males, 17 females) and 36.6% (26/73) dogs without clinical signs (19 males, 7 females). Although the incidence of male dogs was higher in this study, the statistical evaluation did not confirm any predisposed gender, and we found no statistically significant predisposition for any particular abnormal vertebra.
The Veterinary record, 2018
Congenital vertebral malformations (CVM) are common in brachycephalic 'screw-tailed' dogs; they can be associated with neurological deficits and a genetic predisposition has been suggested. The purpose of this study was to evaluate radiography as a screening method for congenital thoracic vertebral malformations in brachycephalic 'screw-tailed' dogs by comparing it with CT. Forty-nine dogs that had both radiographic and CT evaluations of the thoracic vertebral column were included. Three observers retrospectively reviewed the images independently to detect CVMs. When identified, they were classified according to a previously published radiographic classification scheme. A CT consensus was then reached. All observers identified significantly more affected vertebrae when evaluating orthogonal radiographic views compared with lateral views alone; and more affected vertebrae with the CT consensus compared with orthogonal radiographic views. Given the high number of CVMs ...