Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Thoracic spine curve linked to hemivertebra in French Bulldogs
By Moissonnier, Pierre et al.·Published in Veterinary Surgery·2011·Department of Surgery Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort Maisons Alfort Cedex France, France·View original on Crossref →
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Original publication title: Thoracic Kyphosis Associated with Hemivertebra
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 45 dogs, mostly French Bulldogs, were examined for spinal issues related to a condition called hemivertebra, which can cause abnormal curvature of the spine (kyphosis). Some dogs showed no symptoms, while others had signs of spinal cord compression. The study found that dogs with more severe kyphosis and spinal misalignment were more likely to show neurologic problems. The researchers suggest that realigning the spine could help relieve pressure on the spinal cord in affected dogs.
People also search for: French Bulldog kyphosis symptoms · dog hemivertebra treatment · spinal cord compression in dogs
Abstract
ObjectiveTo radiographically assess the influence of thoracic hemivertebra on kyphosis and neurologic status in 45 dogs.Study DesignCase series.AnimalsFrenchBulldogs without neurologic signs (n= 41) and 4 dogs with compressive spinal cord disease associated with hemivertebra.MethodsThoracic spinal radiographs were divided into 3 groups: 1 = dogs with no hemivertebra, 2 = dogs with hemivertebra but no associated neurologic signs, and 3 = dogs with hemivertebra associated with clinical signs. Vertebral canal height, vertebral column angle, and the step between 2 adjacent vertebrae were measured in each group.ResultsVertebral canal height was not significantly different in the 3 groups; however, mean vertebral column angle was significantly (P< .001) different between groups 1 (178°) and 2 (169°), and group 3 (133°). Median cranial step was significantly different between groups (P< .001): 0 mm (group 1), 0.3 mm (group 2), 3 mm (group 3).ConclusionsVertebral canal height does not differ between normal dogs and dogs with thoracic hemivertebra. There is an important association between neurologic signs and kyphosis and subluxation.Clinical RelevanceVertebral realignment without vertebral canal opening could lead to spinal cord decompression in dogs affected by thoracic hemivertebra.
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Search related cases →Original publication on Crossref: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1532-950x.2011.00876.x