Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Vertebral column length ratios in miniature dachshunds with disc
By Fletcher, Charlotte D A et al.·Published in The Veterinary record·2023·Department of Clinical Science and Services, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
PetCaseFinder translated the abstract of this peer-reviewed paper into plain English so pet owners can read it. We do not publish original research — every detail traces back to the citation above. How we work →
Original publication title: Thoracic to lumbar vertebral column length and length ratios in miniature dachshunds with and without thoracolumbar intervertebral disc extrusion.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of miniature dachshunds was studied to understand if the size of their spine sections could affect their risk of back problems, specifically thoracolumbar intervertebral disc extrusion (IVDE), which can cause pain and mobility issues. The researchers found that dachshunds with IVDE had shorter thoracic (upper back) sections compared to those without the condition. This suggests that the shape and length of their spine might play a role in developing these painful disc issues. More research is needed to determine the best spine measurements for preventing IVDE in these dogs.
People also search for: miniature dachshund back pain · dachshund IVDE treatment · dog spine length measurement
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The chondrodystrophic body type predisposes miniature dachshunds to thoracolumbar intervertebral disc extrusion (IVDE). However, the relationship between thoracolumbar IVDE and the relative lengths of the thoracic and lumbar vertebral columns has not yet been evaluated. METHODS: This prospective multicentre study included 151 miniature dachshunds with (n = 47) and without (n = 104) thoracolumbar IVDE. All dogs had their thoracic and lumbar vertebral columns measured with a tape measure. Detailed descriptions were provided to facilitate consistent measurement. A thoracic to lumbar vertebral column ratio was calculated. Thoracolumbar IVDE was confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography. RESULTS: The thoracic to lumbar vertebral column length ratio and absolute thoracic vertebral column length were significantly smaller in miniature dachshunds with IVDE than in those without IVDE (p < 0.0001 for both). There were no significant differences in lumbar vertebral column length, age, sex or neuter status between the two groups. LIMITATIONS: The dogs without IVDE did not undergo a neurological examination and the thoracic and lumbar vertebral column measurements were not validated. CONCLUSIONS: The relative lengths of the thoracic and lumbar vertebral column segments could contribute to the development of thoracolumbar IVDE in miniature dachshunds. Further studies are needed to evaluate ideal thoracic to lumbar vertebral column length ratios in miniature dachshunds.
Find similar cases for your pet
PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.
Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37269549/