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Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2017; 30(02): 137-142
DOI: 10.3415/VCOT-16-05-0072
Original Research
Schattauer GmbH

Asymmetrical lumbosacral transitional vertebrae in dogs may promote asymmetrical hip joint development

Mark A. Flückiger
1   Clinic of Diagnostic Imaging, Department of Small Animal Clinics, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
,
Frank Steffen
2   Clinic of Small Animal Surgery, Department of Small Animal Clinics, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
,
Michael Hässig
3   Section of Herd Health, Department of Farm Animal Clinics, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
,
Joseph P. Morgan
4   Department of Small Animal Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine, St. George’s University, Grenada, West Indies
› Author Affiliations Financial support: This study was financially supported by the Albert-Heim-Foundation of the Swiss Society of Cynology, Bern, Switzerland.
Further Information

Publication History

Received: 12 May 2016

Accepted: 22 January 2016

Publication Date:
28 December 2017 (online)

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Summary

Objectives: This study examines the relationship between the morphology of the lumbosacral transitional vertebra (LTV) and asymmetrical development of the hip joints in dogs.

Methods: A total of 4000 dogs which had been consecutively scored for canine hip dysplasia were checked for the presence of a LTV. A LTV was noted in 138 dogs and classified depending on the morphology of the transverse processes and the degree of contact with the ilium.

Results: In dogs with an asymmetrical LTV, the hip joint was significantly more predis-posed to subluxation and malformation on the side of the intermediate or sacral-like transverse process (p <0.01), on the side of the elevated pelvis (p <0.01), or when an asymmetrical LTV resulted in pelvic rotation on its long axis (p <0.01), whereas hip joint conformation was less affected on the side featuring a free transverse process (p <0.01).

Clinical significance: The results support our hypothesis that an asymmetrical LTV favours pelvic rotation over its long axis, resulting in inadequate femoral head coverage by the acetabulum on one side. Inadequate coverage of the femoral head favours subluxation, malformation of the hip joint, and secondary osteoarthritis. Asymmetrical hip conformation may therefore be the sequela of a LTV and mask or aggravate genetically induced canine hip dysplasia.

Keywords

Lumbosacral transitional vertebrae - dog - developmental orthopaedic disorders - diagnostic radiology - hip dysplasia
 

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