Bilateral cervical ribs in a Dobermann Pinscher.

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Neurology
• Comparative Anatomy
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Caudal cervical spondylomyelopathy (CSM) is a common cause of neurological deficits in dogs.
• Cervical ribs are rare in canines, with limited existing literature.

Observation:

• An 11-year-old Doberman Pinscher presented with non-ambulatory tetraparesis.
• Neurological examination indicated dysfunction in the C6-T2 spinal cord segments.
• Imaging revealed CSM and bilateral bone anomalies of the seventh cervical vertebra and first ribs.

Findings:

• Radiographic and CT findings confirmed CSM.
• Bilateral anomalies of the seventh cervical vertebra and first ribs, analogous to human cervical ribs, were identified intravitam.
• The study visualizes the relationship between these anomalies and adjacent vasculature and musculature.

Implications:

• This case highlights the potential for cervical rib anomalies in dogs presenting with neurological deficits.
• Radiographic and CT findings can aid in the presumptive diagnosis of these rare vertebral and rib anomalies.
• Understanding these anomalies may shed light on their clinical and evolutionary significance in canines.