Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Spinal joint facet defects causing ataxia in four dogs seen on imaging
By Penderis, J et al.·Published in The Veterinary record·2005·Animal Health Trust·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Dysplasia of the caudal vertebral articular facets in four dogs: results of radiographic, myelographic and magnetic resonance imaging investigations.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 5-year-old mixed-breed dog was brought in for ataxia, which is a lack of coordination, due to spinal cord compression caused by abnormal development of the lower vertebrae. Three dogs had a complete absence of certain vertebral structures, while one had underdeveloped ones but showed no symptoms. X-rays and advanced imaging revealed changes in the spine, including bone growth due to joint disease, which contributed to the compression. Treatment options were not specified, but addressing the spinal issues is crucial for recovery.
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Abstract
Congenital anomalies of the vertebral column associated with aberrations of one of the primary vertebral ossification centres have been frequently described in the veterinary literature, but clinically significant abnormalities of secondary vertebral ossification centres, particularly involving the caudal articular processes, are much less frequently reported. This paper describes three dogs with aplasia and one dog with hypoplasia of the caudal vertebral articular processes. Thoracolumbar spinal cord compression and ataxia was evident in the three dogs with aplasia but no clinical signs were evident in the dog with hypoplasia. The radiographic appearance was similar in all four cases, with aplasia or hypoplasia of the caudal articular facets at one or more intervertebral joints in the thoracolumbar region. Bone proliferation was evident secondary to an associated degenerative joint disease. Compensatory hyperplasia of the adjacent cranial articular facets and ligamentum flavum protruded into the vertebral canal, resulting in a compressive myelopathy observed by myelography and magnetic resonance imaging.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15879540/