Congenital Vertebral Malformations

Question 1

Mathieson, Vet Surg, 2018:
Ventral stabilisation of thoracic kyphosis through bilateral intercostal thoracotomies and SOP plates

1. Post-op complications?
2. % improvement in neuro scoring long-term?

Answer 1

Mathieson, Vet Surg, 2018:

1. Seroma (33%), screw breakage (33%)
2. 83% improved in neuro scoring long-term

Question 2

Bertram, VRU, 2019:
Neurologically normal Frenchies, English Bulldogs and Pugs

1. Most common congenital vertebral malformation?
2. Most common congenital vertebral malformations by breed?

Answer 2

Bertram, VRU, 2019:

1. Lumbosacral transitional vertebrae most common (34%)
2. Frenchies: Hemivertebrae (32%), lumbosacral transitional vertebrae (26%)
   English Bulldogs: Hemivertebrae (24%), lumbosacral transitional vertebrae (14%)
   Pugs: Lumbosacral transitional vertebrae (54%)

Question 3

De Decker, JVIM, 2019:

1. Most common location of kyphotic segment?
2. What factors are associated with higher likelihood of neurological disease?
3. What Cobb angle corresponds with the highest combined sensitivity and specificity to differentiate between clinically affected and unaffected dogs?

Answer 3

De Decker, JVIM, 2019:

1. Kyphotic segment most often centred at T7-8
2. Pug breed, more severe kyphosis, fewer rather than more hemivertebrae, ventrolateral hypoplasia hemivertebrae subtype
3. Cobb angle of 34.5 degrees