Prevalence of lumbosacral transitional vertebrae in dogs in the Czech Republic

Abstract

Lumbosacral transitional vertebra is a common congenital anomaly of the spine in dogs. It is a predisposing factor for degeneration of the lumbosacral spine and development of cauda equina syndrome or hip dysplasia in affected dogs. The aim of the study was to determine breed predisposition, types, and prevalence of lumbosacral transitional vertebrae in the canine population in the Czech Republic. The value of laterolateral radiographs of the lumbosacral junction in the diagnosis of LTV was also evaluated. Prevalence of lumbosacral transitional vertebrae was determined by reviewing ventrodorsal radiographs of pelvis with an extended hip of 1,878 dogs. Lumbosacral transitional vertebrae were detected in 188 dogs (10%). German Shepherd, Alaskan Malamute and Bohemian Shepherd were found to be highly predisposed breeds. The most common type of lumbosacral transitional vertebra was type II with separation of the first sacral vertebra from sacrum and presence of rudimentary intervertebral space between S1 and the sacral median crest (37.8% of the lumbosacral transitional vertebrae). Type I was detected in 29.2% and the asymmetric type of the lumbosacral transitional vertebra (type III) in 33%. Laterolateral radiograph of the lumbosacral spine was evaluated in 126 dogs from 188 with lumbosacral transitional vertebrae. Rudimentary intervertebral disc space between S1 and S2 in laterolateral radiographs was detected in 100% of lumbosacral transitional vertebrae with type II and III, and was not detected in type I. The findings on lumbosacral transitional vertebrae in the Czech Republic will extend knowledge about the disease. Both ventrodorsal hip-extended and laterolateral radiographs should be recommended for routine screening and reliable differentiation among the three different types of lumbosacral transitional vertebra.Hip dysplasia, cauda equina syndrome, radiography

Genetic background of lumbosacral transitional vertebrae in German shepherd dogs

“…The prevalence of LTV was high (23.7%) in the examined population of GSDs and equalled prior reports (Fialová et al 2014). Fialová had found a prevalence of 25.9% in 205 GSDs using a similar LTV classification scheme.…”

“…A breed predisposition for LTV has been clearly documented for German shepherd dogs (GSDs) (Larsen 1977, Winkler 1985, Fialová et al 2014. Data regarding a possible sex predisposition were inconsistent and not statistically significant (Larsen 1977, Morgan 1999, Flückiger et al 2006, Julier-Franz 2006.…”

“…Although this type is supposed not to have direct clinical relevance, genetic similarities (shared genetic background) to LTV types II and III would imply reasonable importance for disease management by breeding. LTV type I is by far the most common anomalous form of LTV (Fialová et al 2014). In case of a common genetic basis between LTV types, mating of LTV type I affected dogs would have an inherent risk to increase the number of progeny prone to locomotor disabilities (precipitated by LTV types II and III).…”

Cauda equina syndrome in dogs - a review

“…The altered mobility and distribution of propulsion forces in lumbosacral joints cause premature degeneration of the intervertebral discs, malarticulation/ malformation of the lumbosacral junction combined with dysplasia of the articular processes of L7/L8 vertebrae leading to CES, sometimes with a unilateral preponderance of symptoms (Lappalainen et al 2012). The highest prevalence of LTV was observed in German Shepherds (Scharf et al 2004;Lappalainen et al 2012;Fialová et al 2014).…”

Transitional and/or Supernumerary Vertebra in Lumbosacrocaudal Region of the Spine – a Reality in All Domestic Mammals

“…Transitional vertebra is considered a congenital anomaly, which occurs in various species of animals and in humans [2,6] and its presence can be clinically significant [7]. It's supposed to exist a hereditary predisposition to transitional vertebra [8][9][10][11]. Transitional vertebrae can appear in any junction of the spine presenting common characteristics of both adjacent vertebral segments.…”