Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Atlanto-axial joint problems in dogs with pituitary dwarfism and LHX3
By Voorbij, A M W Y et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary internal medicine·2015·Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Netherlands·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Atlanto-axial malformation and instability in dogs with pituitary dwarfism due to an LHX3 mutation.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 3-year-old Czechoslovakian wolfdog with pituitary dwarfism (a condition affecting hormone production) was showing signs of neurological issues, likely due to problems in the neck area. Imaging tests revealed that the dog's neck joint was improperly formed and unstable, which was causing pressure on the spinal cord. These findings suggest that dogs with this genetic condition may be at risk for serious neck problems. It's important for owners of dogs with pituitary dwarfism to watch for any signs of neurological issues and consult their veterinarian for appropriate monitoring and care.
People also search for: dog neck problems · pituitary dwarfism in dogs · Czechoslovakian wolfdog neurological signs
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Canine pituitary dwarfism or combined pituitary hormone deficiency (CPHD) in shepherd dogs is associated with an LHX3 mutation and can lead to a wide range of clinical manifestations. Some dogs with CPHD have neurological signs that are localized to the cervical spine. In human CPHD, caused by an LHX3 mutation, anatomical abnormalities in the atlanto-axial (C1-C2) joint have been described. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the presence of atlanto-axial malformations in dogs with pituitary dwarfism associated with an LHX3 mutation and to investigate the degree of similarity between the atlanto-axial anomalies found in canine and human CPHD patients with an LHX3 mutation. ANIMALS: Three client-owned Czechoslovakian wolfdogs and 1 client-owned German shepherd dog, previously diagnosed with pituitary dwarfism caused by an LHX3 mutation, with neurological signs indicating a cervical spinal disorder. METHODS: Radiography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging of the cranial neck and skull, necropsy, and histology. RESULTS: Diagnostic imaging identified abnormal positioning of the dens axis and incomplete ossification of the suture lines between the ossification centers of the atlas with concurrent atlanto-axial instability and dynamic compression of the spinal cord by the dens axis. The malformations and aberrant motion at C1-C2 were confirmed at necropsy and histology. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: The atlanto-axial abnormalities of the dwarf dogs resemble those encountered in human CPHD patients with an LHX3 mutation. These findings suggest an association between the LHX3 mutation in dogs with CPHD and atlanto-axial malformations. Consequently, pituitary dwarfs should be monitored closely for neurological signs.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25586673/