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Alternative classification and screening protocol for transitional lumbosacral vertebra in German shepherd dogs
Anu K Lappalainen1, Reea Salomaa, Jouni Junnila
1Section of Diagnostic Imaging, Department of Equine and Small Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland. anu.k.lappalainen@helsinki.fi
Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica
|May 3, 2012
Summary
Lumbosacral transitional vertebra (LTV) is common in dogs and can cause back problems. Laterolateral lumbar spine radiographs, including the eighth lumbar vertebra (L8), improve LTV diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Radiology
- Canine Anatomy
- Congenital Disorders
Background:
- Lumbosacral transitional vertebra (LTV) is a common congenital anomaly in dogs, often leading to lumbosacral degeneration and cauda equina syndrome.
- German Shepherd Dogs are particularly susceptible to LTV and associated conditions.
- Ventrodorsal hip radiography is the standard screening method for LTV.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the diagnostic value of laterolateral lumbar spine radiographs as an adjunct to ventrodorsal radiographs for LTV detection.
- To characterize LTV and the eighth lumbar vertebra (L8) in laterolateral radiographs.
- To elucidate computed tomography (CT) features of different LTV types.
Main Methods:
- Radiographic evaluation of ventrodorsal pelvis and laterolateral lumbar spine in 228 German Shepherd Dogs.
- Classification of LTV based on transverse process morphology in ventrodorsal views.
- Characterization of L6 and L7 vertebrae using the L6/L7 ratio in laterolateral views.
- Detailed analysis of 16 dogs using CT for LTV characterization.
- Statistical analysis using non-parametric tests, generalized logit model, and ANOVA.
Main Results:
- 92 out of 228 dogs (40%) exhibited LTV, with sacral spinous process separation being the most common type (67%).
- Eight dogs possessed eight lumbar vertebrae (L8), which resembled the first sacral vertebra (S1).
- Dogs with LTV showed a longer L7 relative to L6; a decrease in the L6/L7 ratio significantly correlated with the presence of L8.
- CT revealed that categorization of LTV based solely on transverse process visibility in ventrodorsal radiographs can be misleading.
Conclusions:
- The eighth lumbar vertebra (L8) should be considered part of the LTV complex.
- Laterolateral lumbar spine radiography is a valuable addition to ventrodorsal projections for LTV screening protocols.
- Improved diagnostic accuracy for LTV can be achieved by incorporating laterolateral views.
