Suspected malnutrition-induced reversible feline skin fragility syndrome in a cat with congenital axial deformities.

A stray cat, an intact female Japanese domestic shorthair cat of unknown age (suspected to be a young adult), was rescued. The cat was lethargic and thin and had marked skin fragility, delayed wound healing without skin hyperextensibility, and hind limb proprioceptive ataxia and paresis. Survey radiography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging revealed congenital vertebral anomalies, including thoracolumbar transitional vertebrae, scoliosis resulting from a thoracic lateral wedge-shaped vertebra, and a kinked tail, and a dilated spinal cord central canal. Through nutritional support, the cat's general condition normalized, followed by a gradual and complete improvement of skin features. Whole-genome sequencing was completed; however, no pathogenic genetic variant was identified that could have caused this phenotype, including congenital scoliosis. A skin biopsy obtained 7 y after the rescue revealed no remarkable findings on histopathology or transmission electron microscopy. Based on clinical course and microscopic findings, malnutrition-induced reversible feline skin fragility syndrome (FSFS) was suspected, and nutritional support was considered to have improved the skin condition. Key clinical message: This is the second reported case of presumed malnutrition-induced reversible FSFS and was accompanied by long-term follow-up.

Syndrome de fragilité cutanée réversible induit par la malnutrition soupçonné chez un chat avec des difformités axiales congénitales. Un chat errant, une femelle intacte de race japonaise à poil court et d'âge inconnu (suspecté être une jeune adulte), a été secourue. La chatte était léthargique et maigre, et avait une fragilité marquée de la peau, un retard dans la guérison de plaies sans hyperextensibilité de la peau, et une ataxie proprioceptive et parésie des membres postérieurs. Des radiographies, un examen par tomodensitométrie, et de l'imagerie par résonnance magnétique ont révélé des anomalies congénitales des vertèbres, incluant des vertèbres transitionnelles thoraco-lombaires, une scoliose résultant d'une vertèbre thoracique en forme de coin, une queue pliée, et un canal central de la moelle épinière dilaté. Grâce à un soutien nutritionnel, la condition générale du chat s'est stabilisée, suivi d'une amélioration graduelle et complète des caractéristiques de la peau. Le séquençage du génome complet a été effectué; toutefois, aucune variation génétique pathogénique n'a été identifiée qui aurait pu causer ce phénotype, incluant la scoliose congénitale. Une biopsie cutanée obtenue 7 j après le sauvetage n'a révélé aucune trouvaille spéciale à l'histopathologie ou par microscopie électronique à transmission. Basé sur le déroulement clinique et l'examen microscopique, le syndrome de fragilité cutanée réversible félin induit par la malnutrition (FSFS) était suspecté, et le soutien nutritionnel a été considéré comme ayant amélioré la condition cutanée.Message clinique clé :Ce cas est le deuxième cas rapporté de FSFS induit par la malnutrition soupçonné et a fait l'objet d'un suivi à long terme.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Case study: Scoliosis in a Bonobo (Pan paniscus).

Differential diagnosis of observed morphological features on an adult male bonobo skeleton was consistent with idiopathic scoliosis. Directional asymmetry was an order of magnitude higher compared with asymptomatic skeletons. This possible case of idiopathic scoliosis contributes to data that suggest a weaker tie between bipedalism and scoliosis than previously hypothesized.

Evaluation of the influence of kyphosis and scoliosis on intervertebral disc extrusion in French bulldogs.

BACKGROUND: Although thoracic vertebral malformations with kyphosis and scoliosis are often considered incidental findings on diagnostic imaging studies of screw-tailed brachycephalic breeds, they have been suggested to interfere with spinal biomechanics and intervertebral disc degeneration. It is however unknown if an abnormal spinal curvature also predisposes dogs to develop clinically relevant intervertebral disc herniations. The aim of this study was to evaluate if the occurrence of thoracic vertebral malformations, kyphosis or scoliosis would be associated with a higher prevalence of cervical or thoracolumbar intervertebral disc extrusion in French bulldogs. RESULTS: French bulldogs that underwent computed tomography for reasons unrelated to spinal disease (n = 101), and French bulldogs with thoracolumbar (n = 47) or cervical intervertebral disc extrusion (n = 30) that underwent magnetic resonance imaging were included. There was a significant association between the presence of kyphosis and the occurrence of intervertebral disc extrusion, particularly in the thoracolumbar region. Dogs with kyphosis were at nearly a two times increased odds of being affected by intervertebral disc extrusion than those without kyphosis [(OR = 1.98 (95% CI: 1.04-3.78)]. There was also an association between the presence of scoliosis and the anatomical distribution of intervertebral disc extrusions, with dogs with scoliosis more likely to have more caudal lumbar intervertebral disc extrusions. Presence of scoliosis was not associated with an increased odds of being affected by intervertebral disc extrusion. CONCLUSIONS: Although thoracic vertebral malformations with kyphosis only rarely cause spinal cord dysfunction in itself, French bulldogs with kyphosis appear to be at higher risk to develop thoracolumbar intervertebral disc extrusion.

Vertebral column anomalies in Indo-Pacific and Atlantic humpback dolphins Sousa spp.

Conspicuous vertebral column abnormalities in humpback dolphins (genus Sousa) were documented for the first time during 3 photo-identification field studies of small populations in Taiwan, Senegal and Angola. Seven Taiwanese humpback dolphins S. chinensis taiwanensis with vertebral column anomalies (lordosis, kyphosis or scoliosis) were identified, along with 2 possible cases of vertebral osteomyelitis. There was evidence from several individuals photographed over consecutive years that the anomalies became more pronounced with age. Three Atlantic humpback dolphins S. teuszii were observed with axial deviations of the vertebral column (lordosis and kyphosis). Another possible case was identified in a calf, and 2 further animals were photographed with dorsal indents potentially indicative of anomalies. Vertebral column anomalies of humpback dolphins were predominantly evident in the lumbo-caudal region, but one Atlantic humpback dolphin had an anomaly in the cervico-thoracic region. Lordosis and kyphosis occurred simultaneously in several individuals. Apart from the described anomalies, all dolphins appeared in good health and were not obviously underweight or noticeably compromised in swim speed. This study presents the first descriptions of vertebral column anomalies in the genus Sousa. The causative factors for the anomalies were unknown in every case and are potentially diverse. Whether these anomalies result in reduced fitness of individuals or populations merits attention, as both the Taiwanese and Atlantic humpback dolphin are species of high conservation concern.

Vertebral column deformities in white-beaked dolphins from the eastern North Atlantic.

Five white-beaked dolphins Lagenorhynchus albirostris with outwardly vertebral kyphosis, kyphoscoliosis or lordosis were identified during a photo-identification survey of over 400 individuals (2002-2013) in Faxaflói and Skjálfandi Bays, Iceland. In addition, 3 stranding reports from Denmark, The Netherlands and the UK were analysed, providing both external observation and post mortem details of axial deviations of the vertebral column in this species. Two of the free-ranging cases and 2 of the stranded specimens appeared to have an acquired disease, either as a direct result of trauma, or indirectly from trauma/wound and subsequent infection and bony proliferation, although we were unable to specifically identify the causes. Our data represent a starting point to understand vertebral column deformations and their implications in white-beaked dolphins from the eastern North Atlantic. We recommend for future necropsy cases to conduct macro- and microscopic evaluation of muscle from both sides of the deformed region, in order to assess chronic or acute conditions related to the vertebral deformations and cause of death.

Imaging diagnosis-an atypical presentation of diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (dish) in a dog.

A 10-year-old female spayed Dalmatian was evaluated for progressive cervical scoliosis and stiffness. This imaging report describes the imaging and postmortem findings for this patient. A diagnosis of an atypical manifestation of diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) was made based on imaging and additional diagnostics. This report serves to increase awareness of DISH in the veterinary community, as well as to describe a unique presentation of the disease with atypical lesion distribution and severity. In addition, this report contrasts the pathophysiology and imaging characteristics of DISH with spondylosis deformans, which can appear comparable radiographically.

Absence of the right wing of the ilium generated a compensatory scoliosis in rhesus monkey in captivity: diagnostic imaging and its alteration on the SEPNT.

BACKGROUND: Congenital scoliosis (CS) is defined as lateral curvatures of the spine provoked by the anomalous development of the vertebral bodies. It is associated with neuromuscular anomalies, which can be genetic, caused by the compensation of discrepancies in the length of the extremities or intrarachidian anomalies. METHODS: This study was carried out in 2-year-old female, showed alterations in the gait, mainly in the hind limbs, a clumsy gait and a slight claudication in the right hindlimb. To perform the imaging study were: X-Ray projections and Computerized Axial Tomography, neurophysiological evaluation was performed by means somatosensory-evoked potentials of the tibial nerve (SEPTN). RESULTS: The results showed an enlargement of the latencies from the L5 to the cortex, mainly in the left afference, correlated with the imaging studies. CONCLUSIONS: There is no doubt that the concurrent use of different diagnostic tools complements knowledge regarding the physiopathogenesis of these osteopathologies.

Scoliosis and kyphosis in blue-spotted and marbled flathead fish associated with a Myxobolus acanthogobii-like parasite.

Spinal deformities in finfish have the potential to impact aquaculture industries and wild populations by increasing morbidity, mortality, and reducing growth rates. Myxobolus acanthogobii has been implicated in causing scoliosis and lordosis in various aquatic species in Japan. We investigated 4 cases of spinal deformity in 2 flathead (Platycephalus) species that were submitted to the Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute (EMAI) in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, between 2015 and 2021. Flathead are commercially significant species that are popular among Australian consumers, and are also sought-after species targeted by recreational fishers. Gross deformities are concerning to the community and may impact the quality and quantity of specimens available for consumption. Three blue-spotted flathead (P. caeruleopunctatus) and one marbled flathead (P. marmoratus) were submitted, all with marked scoliosis and kyphosis; 1-2-mm cysts were present on the dorsum of the brain, most often over the optic lobe or cerebellum. Cytology and differential interference microscopy of cyst material revealed numerous oval spores, x̄ 14 ± SD 0.75 µm × x̄ 11.5 ± SD 0.70 µm, with 2 pyriform polar capsules, the morphology of which is consistent with a Myxobolus sp. PCR assay and 18S rDNA sequencing of the cyst material identified a Myxobolus sp. with 96% identity to M. acanthogobii. The identification of this Myxobolus sp. confirms the presence of parasites with the potential to cause spinal deformity in significant aquatic species in NSW waterways.

Pathology survey on a captive-bred colony of the Mexican Goodeid, nearly extinct in the wild, Zoogoneticus tequila (Webb & Miller 1998).

The Mexican Goodeid, Zoogoneticus tequila, is considered nearly extinct in the wild and it is maintained in captivity by the nonprofit international "Goodeid Working Group." The unique Italian colony has produced about 180 fish so far. The observable diseases were registered and some fish were submitted, immediately after spontaneous death, to necroscopic and histopathologic exams. Encountered diseases included the following: 7 cases of scoliosis (2 males and 5 females); 2 fish with a similar congenital deviation of ocular axis; 1 adult male with left corneal opacity, presumably of traumatic origin; 1 female fish with a large subocular fluid-filled sac, histologically referable to a lymphatic cyst, similarly to the eye sacs of a Goldfish variety (Carassius auratus) called bubble eye; and 1 female fish with recurrent abdominal distension consequent to distal bowel dilation and thinning, associated with complete mucosal atrophy, and comparable to intestinal pseudo-obstruction syndromes described in humans and various animal species. The absence of infectious or parasitic diseases, as well as the low incidence of diseases potentially related to environmental alterations or nutritional disorders such as spinal deformities, suggests the adequacy of breeding management techniques of Z. tequila for its conservation and reintroduction in to the original habitat in the near future.

Preliminary studies of neurosensory and cardiopulmonary health compromise in captive- bred Rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) suffering scoliosis.

BACKGROUND: It has been widely documented that quadrupedal animals rarely display natural spontaneous scoliotic rachis deviations of the spinal column. The objective was to determine spinal deformities developed by geriatric monkeys of the Macaca mulatta species, by radiographical and tomographical studies of the vertebral column correlating morphological changes with altered physiological parameters and electrical neurosensorial conductivity of somatosensory-evoked potentials (SEPs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cohort of six geriatric monkeys was used: three non-scoliotic subjects and three monkeys with naturally acquired true scoliosis. RESULTS: Radiographic and tomographic studies depicted a thoracic curvature displaying a left-sided thoracic vertebral rotation. The evaluation of physiological parameters demonstrated significant differences in the respiratory rate, as it was observed for the diastolic blood pressures, which showed a decrease in the monkeys with scoliosis compared with healthy monkeys. Regarding the SEPs studies, the non-parametric test for independent samples Mann-Whitney U test displayed a significant difference observed at the left and right thoracic derivative in P1; while regarding the study of upper limbs, a significant difference was seen at the Erb's point derivative, left afferency in P1, showing in all the derivatives an increase in latency in monkeys with scoliosis versus monkeys in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: This study has demonstrated that quadrupedal animals can develop true scoliosis showing an analogous way to that occurring in humans.

A case of schistosoma reflexum in a cat with chromosomal aberrations.

A 2-year-old, female Persian cat was presented with a history of distocia. In her first pregnancy, she had whelped four kittens and had eaten all of them right after parturition. She had mated again with the same tomcat. Well-developed foetuses with weak foetal heart beats were observed in the ultrasonographic examination. En block ovariohysterectomy was performed. Three live and mature foetuses were obtained from the uterus; two of them were female foetuses and had no anatomical problem but the third one exhibiting multiple malformations was a male and diagnosed as 'schistosoma reflexum' (SR). The vertebral column deviated markedly to the right (scoliosis) at thoracolumbar region, and the middle lumbar and the sacral vertebrae were directed dorsocranially (lordosis). The entire small intestine, a part of large intestine, stomach, spleen and the right kidney were displayed out of the body, and it seemed that the listed internal organs were protruded from an abdominal cleft associated with the allantoic membrane. Liver, lungs and heart were hypoplastic. The large intestine was seen to have blind end (atresia recti), but anus was normal. Cerebrum and cerebellum were noticed as normal in sizes. Chromosome preparations from lymphocyte cultures of the foetus showed chromosomal aberrations including chromatid and chromosome breaks, exchange figures, non-homologous pairing, whereas no abnormalities were detected in the chromosome preparations from mother's cultures. This is probably the first case of SR in a cat, which was examined in detail from clinical, pathological, radiological and chromosomal angles.

Bilateral ectrodactyly and spinal deformation in a mixed-breed dog.

A 3-year-old, female mixed-breed dog had malformations of both thoracic limbs and the vertebral column. Radiographs of the forelimbs showed bilateral development of 2 digits and aplasia of 3 carpal bones. Kyphosis, scoliosis, and deformed vertebrae were present in the thoracolumbar vertebral column.

Acquired cervical scoliosis in two dogs with inflammatory central nervous system disease.

Acquired cervical scoliosis previously has been reported in dogs as a clinical sign associated with Chiari-like malformation and syringomyelia but has not been described with inflammatory central nervous system disease. A 9-month-old Flat-Coated Retriever was presented with an acute onset of cervical scoliosis with no other neurological deficits. Magnetic resonance imaging identified a focal, poorly defined intramedullary lesion within the cranial cervical spinal cord. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis indicated mononuclear pleocytosis consistent with a diagnosis of meningomyelitis of unknown etiology. A second dog, a 3-year-old female spayed German Shepherd, developed an acute onset of cervical scoliosis with mild generalized proprioceptive ataxia 2 months after commencing immunosuppressive corticosteroid treatment for presumed steroid-responsive meningitis-arteritis. Magnetic resonance imaging at the time of diagnosis disclosed a similar intramedullary lesion within the cranial cervical spinal cord, with a neutrophilic pleocytosis on CSF analysis. Both dogs were treated with immunosuppressive dosages of prednisolone, along with cytosine arabinoside in the first dog, with resolution of cervical scoliosis seen in both. To our knowledge, this is the first report of acute onset acquired, reversible cervical scoliosis in dogs with presumed immune-mediated meningomyelitis.

What a stranded whale with scoliosis can teach us about human idiopathic scoliosis.

Scoliosis is a deformation of the spine that may have several known causes, but humans are the only mammal known to develop scoliosis without any obvious underlying cause. This is called 'idiopathic' scoliosis and is the most common type. Recent observations showed that human scoliosis, regardless of its cause, has a relatively uniform three-dimensional anatomy. We hypothesize that scoliosis is a universal compensatory mechanism of the spine, independent of cause and/or species. We had the opportunity to study the rare occurrence of scoliosis in a whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) that stranded in July 2019 in the Netherlands. A multidisciplinary team of biologists, pathologists, veterinarians, taxidermists, radiologists and orthopaedic surgeons conducted necropsy and imaging analysis. Blunt traumatic injury to two vertebrae caused an acute lateral deviation of the spine, which had initiated the development of compensatory curves in regions of the spine without anatomical abnormalities. Three-dimensional analysis of these compensatory curves showed strong resemblance with different types of human scoliosis, amongst which idiopathic. This suggests that any decompensation of spinal equilibrium can lead to a rather uniform response. The unique biomechanics of the upright human spine, with significantly decreased rotational stability, may explain why only in humans this mechanism can be induced relatively easily, without an obvious cause, and is therefore still called 'idiopathic'.

Discospondylitis in a yellow-eyed penguin (Megadyptes antipodes).

A 1-year-old female yellow-eyed penguin (Megadyptes antipodes) was diagnosed with chronic discospondylitis on the basis of clinical signs and results of hematologic tests, radiography, and computed tomography. Despite significant destruction of the affected vertebral bodies and gross malformation of the spine, neurologic function was unaffected. Treatment with antibiotics, antifungals, and swimming physiotherapy was attempted, but the bird died after 40 days of hospitalization. Histopathologic lesions observed at necropsy were severe chronic discospondylitis, chronic granulomatous tracheitis, proventricular ulceration, and adrenal hemorrhage. The suspected inciting cause of the discospondylitis was a reported population-wide oral stomatitis that affects yellow-eyed penguin chicks.

Kepone-induced scoliosis and its histological consequences in fish.

Scoliosis in fish is caused by several diverse agents that possibly act on the central nervous system, neuromuscular junctions, or ionic metabolism. The organochlorine pesticide Kepone induces scoliosis in the sheepshead minnow. Some effects associated with Kepone-induced scoliosis in these fish are disruption of myotomal patterns, inter- and intramuscular hemorrhage, fractured centra of vertebrae, and death. The histological syndrome of Kepone poisoning in fish and the clinical syndrome in humans suggest that the nervous system is a primary target for Kepone and that scoliosis is a secondary effect of Kepone poisoning in fish.

Idiopathic-type scoliosis is not exclusive to bipedalism.

Human familial/idiopathic-type scoliosis (IS) is a complex genetic disorder for which the cause is unknown. The curve phenotype characteristically demonstrates pronounced morphological and developmental variability that is likely a consequence of biomechanical, environmental, and genetic differences between individuals. In addition, risk factors that affect the propensity for curves to progress to severity are unknown. Progress in understanding the fundamental biology of idiopathic-type scoliosis has been limited by the lack of a genetic/developmental animal model. Prior to consideration of teleosts, developmental idiopathic-type scoliosis has been considered to be exclusive to humans. Consequently, there is the notion that the syndrome is a result of bipedalism, and many studies try to explain the deformity from this anthrocentric viewpoint. This perspective has been reinforced by the choice of animals used for study, in that chickens and bipedal rats and mice demonstrate idiopathic-type curvature when made melatonin-deficient, but quadrupedal animals do not. Overlooked is the fact that teleosts also demonstrate similar curvature when made melatonin-deficient. Our characterization of the guppy curveback has demonstrated that non-induced idiopathic-type curvature is not exclusive to humans, nor bipedalism. We hypothesize that unique morphological, developmental and genetic parallels between the human and guppy syndromes are due to common molecular pathways involved in the etiopathogenesis of both phenotypes. We explore established gene conservation between human and teleost genomes that are in pathways hypothesized to be involved in the IS syndrome. We present non-induced vertebral wedging as a unique shared feature in IS and curveback that suggests a similar interaction between a molecular phenotype on the level of the vertebral anatomy, and biomechanics. We propose that rather than bipedalism per se, expression of idiopathic-type scoliosis is dependent on normal spinal loading applied along the cranio-caudal axis that interacts with an unknown factor causing the primary curve. In this regard, a comparative biological approach using a simplified teleost model will promote discovery of basic processes integral to idiopathic-type scoliosis in teleosts and humans, and highlight human-specific aspects of the deformity.

Cervical scoliosis and torticollis: a novel skeletal anomaly in broiler chickens.

BACKGROUND: Among the most prominent health problems marring the global poultry industry for several decades are skeletal abnormalities. The aim of this study was to investigate a recent emergence of a novel form of skeletal deformity affecting cervical spine in broiler chickens. This work presents the natural history of this newly emerging skeletal anomaly along with long term observations of epidemiological trends in commercial broiler flocks, and clinical and pathological features. RESULTS: In distinction from other forms of skeletal deformities commonly reported in broiler chickens, this new form of cervical spine anomaly have been observed in newly hatched chicks and in fully developed embryos that died in the shell. On clinical and post mortem examination this condition presents characteristic features consistent with congenital cervical scoliosis and torticollis (CCST). The pathogenesis of CCST appears to be linked to pathological remodeling of the cervical vertebrae bone associated with excessive activity of osteoclasts. Long term observations indicate that the incidence of CCST showed increasing epidemiological trends over time. More recently CCST has been observed in newly hatched chicks with incidence ranging from 0.1 to > 1%, and in fully developed embryos that failed to hatch about 4 to 5%. CONCLUSIONS: The increasing trends in incidence of CCST in commercial broiler flocks are of concern from an economic perspective, and also represent a very specific and important aspect of animal welfare.

New tomographic contribution to characterizing mesosaurid congenital scoliosis.

The presence of a pathology in the vertebral column of the early Permian mesosaurid specimen ZPAL R VII/1, being one of the oldest amniotic occurrences of congenital scoliosis caused by a hemivertebra, was recently recognized. Here we provide CT data to further characterize the phenomenon. The affected hemivertebra is wedged (incarcerated) between the preceding and succeeding vertebrae. The neural canal is misshapen but continuous and the number of dorsal ribs on each side of the specimen corresponds with the number of the vertebrae, documenting its congenital (homeobox-related) derivation.

Occipitoatlantoaxial malformation in an adult goat.

An occipitoatlantoaxial malformation was diagnosed in a 1-year-old Murciano-Granadina goat. At clinical examination, the head and cranial part of the neck were deviated to the right. Clinical signs of spinal cord or brain disease were not observed. At necropsy, morphological abnormalities were seen in the craniovertebral junction and cervical vertebrae, characterized by a firm attachment and incomplete articulation between the occipital bone and the atlas, and scoliosis in the cervical regions. The definitive diagnosis was bilateral asymmetrical occipitoatlantoaxial fusion with rotation of the atlas and atlantoaxial subluxation. To the authors' knowledge, this case report is the second occipitoatlantoaxial malformation described in a goat and the first description in an adult goat.