Kyphosis (humpy back) in growing pigs.

This focus article has been prepared by Jill Thomson of SRUC Veterinary Services and Paul Wood and Carola Daniel of the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies.

Long-term follow-up of spinal segmental stabilization for surgical treatment of dorsal hemivertebrae associated with kyphosis in brachycephalic dogs.

The aim of this study is to report chronic complications (> 2 mo after surgery) following spinal segmental stabilization (SSS) to treat myelopathy associated with thoracic congenital vertebral malformations in brachycephalic dogs. Follow-up medical records (years 2006 to 2020) of 12 cases that underwent SSS at 3 university hospitals were retrieved and analyzed with a minimum follow-up period of 1 y. Five dogs showed no chronic complications and 7 dogs had chronic complications which are reported here. This case series demonstrates that the rate of chronic complications associated with SSS was high (58%) but most of these were minor and did not require revision surgery.

Suivi à long terme de la stabilisation segmentaire rachidienne pour le traitement chirurgical des hémi-vertèbres dorsales associées à la cyphose chez le chien brachycéphale. Le but de cette étude est de rapporter les complications chroniques (> 2 mois après chirurgie) suite à la stabilisation segmentaire rachidienne (SSS) pour traiter la myélopathie associée aux malformations vertébrales congénitales thoraciques chez les chiens brachycéphales. Les dossiers médicaux de suivi (années 2006 à 2020) de 12 cas qui ont subi un SSS dans trois hôpitaux universitaires ont été récupérés et analysés avec une période de suivi minimale de 1 an. Cinq chiens n'ont présenté aucune complication chronique et sept chiens ont présenté des complications chroniques qui sont rapportées ici. Cette série de cas démontre que le taux de complications chroniques associées au SSS était élevé (58 %) mais que la plupart d'entre elles étaient mineures et n'ont pas nécessité de reprise chirurgicale.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Presenting vertebral deformities in bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus calves from a protected population in northeast Scotland.

Photographs collected during a 23 yr photo-identification study in the Moray Firth were examined to assess the prevalence, type and severity of vertebral deformations present in bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus calves. Fifteen cases of presenting spinal anomalies (scoliosis, kyphosis, lordosis and combinations thereof) of variable severity were identified in 7.4% of all known calves from the population. Thirteen of the 15 anomalies were either manifest from birth or acquired from an early age, as ascertained from longitudinal sightings histories of their mothers. Most afflicted calves died during early development or shortly after maternal separation. However, 3 survived to adulthood and persist in the population to date, in addition to 2 dependent infants whose fate remains to be established. At 15+ yr of age, the oldest surviving individual was remarkably one of the most severe cases identified, highlighting the ability of these delphinids for adaptation to such gross structural deformities. The aetiology of the observed conditions could be attributed to a range of causative factors that may have implications for the well-being and health of this North Sea coastal dolphin population, a topic which merits further investigation.

Gait analysis in French bulldogs with and without vertebral kyphosis.

The study objective was to compare temporal-spatial and kinetic gait variables in neurologically normal French bulldogs with and without vertebral kyphosis. French bulldogs presented to a dedicated brachycephalic clinic were prospectively enrolled. All dogs underwent general physical, orthopaedic, and neurological examination prior to study inclusion. The presence of vertebral kyphosis was evaluated by computed tomography and kyphosis was defined as a Cobb angle exceeding 10°. Gait variables were collected using a pressure-sensitive GAITRite walkway with GAITFour software and included measurement of total pressure index (TPI) defined as the sum of peak pressure values recorded from each activated sensor by a paw during mat contact. Fifteen French bulldogs with (n=8) and without kyphosis (n=7) were included. Cobb angle in kyphotic dogs ranged from 14.9° to 39.5°. Univariate analyses were initially performed to examine the association between kyphosis and 16 gait variables. When those variables found to be associated (P<0.2) were taken forward into multivariate generalised linear mixed models (accounting for dog, velocity and side), kyphosis had a significant effect upon TPI of the forelimbs and TPI symmetry ratio (P<0.05); however, the size of these effects was small. Although vertebral kyphosis is rarely associated with neurological deficits, it was associated with subtle alterations in kinetic gait variables (TPI forelimbs and TPI symmetry ratio). Further studies are needed to evaluate the clinical importance of altered gait variables in French bulldogs with kyphosis.

Relationship between breed, hemivertebra subtype, and kyphosis in apparently neurologically normal French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, and Pugs.

OBJECTIVE To investigate whether hemivertebra subtype as determined via CT was associated with breed and Cobb angle (a measure of the degree of spinal curvature) in apparently neurologically normal French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, and Pugs. ANIMALS Client-owned French Bulldogs (n = 58), English Bulldogs (30), and Pugs (12) with thoracic hemivertebrae that underwent CT for reasons unrelated to spinal disease. PROCEDURES CT scans of each dog were evaluated, and hemivertebrae were categorized by subtype (ventral aplasia, ventral hypoplasia, lateral aplasia, lateral hypoplasia, ventrolateral aplasia, ventrolateral hypoplasia, ventral and median aplasia, ventral and median hypoplasia, and symmetric hypoplasia). The Cobb angle was measured, and kyphosis was defined as a Cobb angle > 10°. Results were compared among breeds. RESULTS 243 hemivertebrae were identified in the French Bulldog group, 100 in the English Bulldog group, and 19 in the Pug group. Breed was significantly associated with hemivertebra subtype. Pugs were more likely than French and English Bulldogs to have ventral hypoplasia and less likely to have ventral and median hypoplasia. English Bulldogs were more likely than French Bulldogs to have ventral and median hypoplasia. Compared with other hemivertebra subtypes, ventral hypoplasia was associated with a greater Cobb angle and a higher likelihood of kyphosis. Pugs were more likely than the other 2 breeds to have kyphosis. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Pugs had a different spectrum of hemivertebra subtypes than French and English Bulldogs in this study. Additional research is necessary to evaluate the clinical relevance of this finding.

Ventral stabilization of thoracic kyphosis through bilateral intercostal thoracotomies using SOP (String of Pearls) plates contoured after a 3-dimensional print of the spine.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a novel vertebral body stabilization and report its outcome in dogs with thoracic kyphosis and secondary myelopathy. STUDY DESIGN: Case series. ANIMALS: Six pugs with thoracic kyphosis and secondary myelopathy. METHODS: Medical records (2012-2017) of dogs with chronic progressive pelvic limb ataxia and ambulatory proprioceptive paraparesis due to thoracic kyphosis were reviewed. Dogs were evaluated via MRI and computed tomography. A 3-dimensional print of the kyphotic vertebral segment was used to precontour the SOP (String of Pearls) plates. Bilateral double, dorsal intercostal thoracotomies were performed to place precontoured SOP on the vertebral bodies. Long-term (6-16 months) clinical outcome was determined on the basis of neurological scoring (NS) and owner questionnaire. RESULTS: The only intraoperative complication consisted of a lung laceration due to preexisting adhesions. Postoperative complications included seroma formation (n = 2) and incidental radiographic evidence of screw breakage (n = 2). NS at presentation ranged between 2 and 4 and improved to 1 at long-term follow-up in all dogs but 1 (NS = 2). All owners felt that their dog had excellent quality of life at follow-up. CONCLUSION: In spite of the challenging local anatomy, all dogs undergoing vertebral stabilization with SOP placement experienced a good clinical outcome. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Stabilization of vertebral bodies with precontoured SOP placed through bilateral thoracotomies may be considered as a treatment option for dogs with thoracic kyphosis and secondary myelopathy.

Vertebral formula and congenital abnormalities of the vertebral column in rabbits.

The aim of this retrospective study of 330 rabbits (164 males, 166 females) was to determine different vertebral formulas and prevalence of congenital vertebral anomalies in rabbits from radiographs of the cervical (C), thoracic (Th), lumbar (L) and sacral (S) segments of the vertebral column. The number of vertebrae in each segment of vertebral column, position of anticlinal vertebra and localisation and type of congenital abnormalities were recorded. In 280/330 rabbits (84.8%) with normal vertebral morphology, seven vertebral formulas were identified: C7/Th12/L7/S4 (252/330, 76.4%), C7/Th12/L6/S4 (11/330, 3.3%), C7/Th13/L7/S4 (8/330, 2.4%), C7/Th12/L7/S5 (4/330, 1.2%), C7/Th12/L8/S4 (3/330, 0.9%), C7/Th12/L7/S6 (1/330, 0.3%) and C7/Th11/L7/S4 (1/330, 0.3%). The anticlinal vertebra was identified as Th10 in 56.4% of rabbits and Th11 in 42.4% of rabbits. Congenital spinal abnormalities were identified in 50/330 (15.2%) rabbits, predominantly as a single pathology (n=44). Transitional vertebrae represented the most common abnormalities (n=41 rabbits) in the thoracolumbar (n=35) and lumbosacral segments (n=6). Five variants of thoracolumbar transitional vertebrae were identified. Cervical butterfly vertebrae were detected in three rabbits. One rabbit exhibited three congenital vertebral anomalies: cervical block vertebra, thoracic hemivertebra and thoracolumbar transitional vertebra. Five rabbits exhibited congenital vertebral abnormalities with concurrent malalignment, specifically cervical kyphosis/short vertebra (n=1), thoracic lordoscoliosis/thoracolumbar transitional vertebrae (n=1), thoracic kyphoscoliosis/wedge vertebrae (n=2) and thoracolumbar lordoscoliosis/thoracolumbar transitional vertebrae/lumbosacral transitional vertebrae (n=1). These findings suggest that vertebral columns in rabbits display a wide range of morphologies, with occasional congenital malformations.

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.

Deformities in reared cobia, Rachycentron canadum L. and grouper, Epinephelus marginatus, in São Paulo state coast, Brazil: case report / Deformidades em cobias, Rachycentron canadum L, e garoupas, Epinephelus marginatus, cultivadas na costa do estado de São Paulo, Brasil: relato de caso

Skeletal deformities are frequent problems in cultured fish populations due mainly to unfavorable abiotic conditions, inappropriate nutrition, and genetic factors. These may cause erratic swimming, decrease of conversion rate, growth, and market value. The aim of this case report was to present the occurrence of deformities in juvenile cobia and groupers from an offshore marine farm in Ilhabela, São Paulo, Brazil. Nine cobias and seven juvenile groupers, that presented deformities, were euthanized and fixed in 10% formaldehyde. They were tagged, processed, and stained with "Alcian Blue" (AB) and "Alizarin Red-S" (ARS) for visualization of cartilage and bone tissue, respectively. After evisceration, radiographic examination was performed. The deformities observed in cobia were atrophy of the operculum, disorganization of the gill lamellae, deformity of the lower jaw, kyphosis, and scoliosis. Groupers presented lower jaw deformity and saddleback syndrome. The farm studied in this case report had poor management standards, fed commercial feed for freshwater herbivorous fish and cooked sardines, high inbreeding and absence of adequately trained professionals to manage these species. The sum of these factors must have directly influenced the appearance of these deformities. It is necessary to control this situation to minimize the incidence of malformations that have economic impacts to farmers.(AU)

As deformidades esqueléticas são problemas frequentes em populações de peixes cultivados devido, principalmente, a condições abióticas desfavoráveis, nutrição inapropriada e fatores genéticos. Estas podem causar natação errática, diminuição do índice de conversão, do crescimento e do valor no mercado. O objetivo deste relato de caso foi apresentar a ocorrência de deformidades em cobias e garoupas juvenis provenientes de uma fazenda marinha em sistema offshore, em Ilhabela, São Paulo, Brasil. Nove cobias e sete garoupas juvenis, que apresentavam deformidades, foram sujeitos à eutanásia e fixados em formol a 10%. Os espécimes foram registrados, processados e corados com "Alcian Blue" (AB) e "Alizarin Red-S" (ARS) para visualização de tecido cartilaginoso e ósseo, respectivamente. Os peixes foram eviscerados para o exame radiográfico. As deformidades observadas em cobia foram: atrofia do opérculo, desorganização das lamelas branquiais, deformidade do maxilar inferior, cifose e escoliose. As garoupas apresentaram deformidade do maxilar inferior e síndrome de Saddleback. Os peixes deste relato de caso estiveram sob manejo deficiente, alimentados com ração comercial para peixes herbívoros de água doce e sardinhas cozinhadas, alta consanguinidade e ausência de profissionais adequadamente treinados para o manejo dessas espécies. A soma desses fatores influenciou diretamente na aparição dessas deformidades, precisando ser controlados para minimizar a incidência de malformações que tenham impacto econômico para os produtores.(AU)

MICROCOMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC, MORPHOMETRIC, AND HISTOPATHOLOGIC ASSESSMENT OF CONGENITAL BONE MALFORMATIONS IN TWO NEOTROPICAL VIPERIDS.

Congenital malformations have been reported in all classes of vertebrates and may be a determinant of life span and survival. In reptiles, the incidence of congenital malformations can be associated with genetic and environmental causes, including pollution. The characterization of pathological processes involved in the development of congenital malformations of bone in snakes is rare in the literature, but is of great relevance in the field of reptile conservation and environmental health. We describe congenital bone lesions in 50 newborn jararaca (Bothrops jararaca) and 26 South American rattlesnakes (Crotalus durissus terrificus) born from wild-caught pregnant females in Southeastern Brazil. Lesions were evaluated by morphometric quantitative analysis, x-ray microtomography, and histopathologic descriptive analysis. Morphometric analysis showed that jararaca presented more severe axial lesions (kyphosis, scoliosis, and kyphoscoliosis) than rattlesnakes. Female rattlesnakes presented more severe axial lesions than did males. In rattlesnakes, spinal deformities were more frequently diagnosed in the caudal segment of the body. We present x-ray microtomographic assessments and images of malformed snakes (n=9) and characterized novel malformations, such as the agenesis of frontal, parietal, and supraoccipital bones in a jararaca specimen. Histopathologic findings included vertebral body fusion, myositis, coagulation necrosis, and disorganization of periaxial muscle fibers. The new methods and results presented in this study will be useful and informative for future research in pathology, teratology, embryology, and ecotoxicology in snakes.

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.

Kyphosis and Kyphoscoliosis Associated with Congenital Malformations of the Thoracic Vertebral Bodies in Dogs.

Congenital malformations of the thoracic vertebral bodies are commonly encountered in veterinary practice. These anomalies are prevalent in juvenile and adult small-breed dogs. These anomalous vertebrae typically result in various degrees of kyphosis and scoliosis in the region of the abnormality. They are thought to occur following developmental errors during embryonic or fetal vertebral segmentation and ossification; most are incidental. This article focuses on those anomalies of the thoracic vertebral bodies that lead to clinical signs of neurologic dysfunction. Based on a limited number of reported cases, the prognosis for surgically managed dogs with thoracic vertebral body abnormalities is favorable.

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.

Congenital cervical kyphosis in two young sighthounds.

INTRODUCTION: Cervical vertebral (C) malformation is rarely reported in large breed dogs. Congenital cervical kyphosis (CCK) may result from defects of vertebral segmentation, failure of formation or both. This report describes two cases of C3-C4 CCK in young sighthounds, treated surgically. CASE DESCRIPTION: An 18-month-old female Deerhound and a six-week-old female Borzoi dog were presented because of the complaints of reluctance to exercise and signs of of neck pain. Both dogs were neurologically normal. Diagnostic imaging revealed C3-C4 deformity, moderate kyphosis, and spinal canal stenosis associated with chronic spinal cord pressure atrophy. Both dogs underwent surgical treatment. RESULTS: A staged two-step surgery starting with dorsal decompression was elected in the Deerhound. After the first surgical procedure, the dog developed focal myelomalacia and phrenic nerve paralysis and was euthanatized. A ventral distraction-fusion technique with two locking plates was performed in the Borzoi. This patient recovered uneventfully and long-term follow-up computed tomography revealed complete spondylodesis. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Until now, CCK has only been described in sighthounds. Congenital cervical kyphosis might be considered a differential diagnosis in these breeds that are presented with signs of cervical pain. Ventral realignment-fusion and bone grafting may be considered for surgical treatment, although the earliest age at which this procedure can and should be performed remains unclear.

Surgical treatment of dorsal hemivertebrae associated with kyphosis by spinal segmental stabilisation, with or without decompression.

This retrospective case series examined the effectiveness of spinal segmental stabilisation, with or without decompression, in nine dogs with neurological deficits associated with dorsal hemivertebrae. Data on signalment, preoperative neurological status, imaging findings, surgical techniques and outcome were evaluated. All cases occurred in young or adult, small-breed dogs with neurological signs ranging from progressive moderate pelvic limb ataxia to non-ambulatory paraparesis. Six dogs also showed urinary and faecal incontinence. In each dog, one or more dorsal thoracic hemivertebra(e) were detected by radiography and MRI. In all dogs, hemivertebra(e) were associated with kyphosis and reduced vertebral canal diameter. All dogs were surgically managed with spinal segmental stabilisation, using Steinmann pins and orthopaedic wires and/or sutures attached to the spinous processes. Three dogs also underwent additional decompressive surgery. Post-operative follow-up ranged from 1.5 to 5.5 years. Immediate or delayed post-operative complications occurred in three dogs, including implant migration or loosening. Eight dogs showed long-term gait improvement, with resolution of incontinence if previously present. At 2-6 years post-surgery, four dogs were neurologically normal, three had mild residual ataxia, one had moderate ambulatory paraparesis, and one dog relapsed 3.5 years after surgery, resulting in severe paraparesis. Spinal segmental stabilisation techniques, with or without decompression, can result in satisfactory outcomes in small dogs with hemivertebrae and mild to moderate neurological signs. Further adaptations might be required to avoid implant loosening and allow continued growth in immature dogs.

The effect of kyphoscoliosis on intervertebral disc degeneration in dogs.

In people, abnormalities in vertebral column conformation, such as kyphoscoliosis, induce degenerative changes in adjacent intervertebral disc (IVD) structure and composition. It was hypothesised that canine IVDs adjacent to a vertebral malformation undergo early degeneration. In a blinded retrospective study, thoracic IVD degeneration was evaluated in 14 dogs on magnetic resonance images using Pfirrmann's grade. IVDs adjacent to a vertebral malformation had higher grades of degeneration than non-adjacent IVDs (P < 0.0001). There was an age-dependency, with dogs between 1 and 4 years showing higher grade of degeneration in adjacent than non-adjacent IVDs (P < 0.0001). Conversely, in older dogs, all IVDs - including the non-adjacents - showed degenerative signs, possibly due to normal aging. These results suggest that congenital vertebral malformation results in early degeneration of adjacent IVDs.

Modulación del crecimiento de columnas escolióticas en animales de experimentación mediante el uso de barras de metal inteligente / Modulation of scoliotic spine growth in experimental animals using intelligent metal bars

Objetivo. Creación de un modelo experimental de escoliosis estructurada en ratas para evaluar la eficacia de los metales con memoria de forma para corregir gradualmente la deformidad a lo largo del tiempo. Material y método. Se generó una escoliosis experimental en ratas de 3 semanas mediante una sutura entre escápula y pelvis izquierdas durante 8 semanas, tras lo cual fueron aleatorizadas en 2 grupos: control, en los que se cortó la sutura, y nitinol, en los que además se implantó un alambre recto con memoria de forma anclado a la columna. Se realizaron radiografías seriadas para determinar la eficacia del nitinol en la corrección de la escoliosis. En un segundo tiempo, evaluamos los cambios histológicos a nivel del cuerpo vertebral apical y discos adyacentes pre y poscorrección. Resultados. Se indujo una cifoescoliosis progresiva media de 81,5°. En el grupo control, tras cortar la sutura, se produjo una reducción inicial de la deformidad pero luego permaneció estable a lo largo del tiempo (54° a las 2 semanas). En el grupo nitinol se observó una reducción progresiva del valor angular de la escoliosis, hasta 8,7° de media a las 2 semanas. El acuñamiento del cuerpo vertebral apical y de los discos adyacentes se corregía parcialmente tras 2 semanas de corrección de la deformidad. Conclusión. En este modelo de escoliosis, un alambre recto de nitinol anclado a la columna ha demostrado eficacia para la corrección gradual de la cifoescoliosis, y de los cambios estructurales asociados a la misma (AU)

Objective: To create an experimental structural scoliosis model in mice to evaluate the efficacy of shape-memory metals to gradually correct the deformity over time. Material and method: Experimental scoliosis was generated in 3 week-old mice by means of a suture between the left scapula and pelvis for 8 weeks. They were then randomised into two groups: a control group, in which the suture was cut, and another, in those that also had a Nitinol straight memory-wire implant fixed to the column. Serial X-rays were performed to determine the efficacy of the Nitinol in the correction of the scoliosis. In a second time, the histological changes at apical vertical body level and the adjacent discs were evaluated preand post-correction. Results: A mean 81.5◦ kyphoscoliosis was gradually induced. In the control group, after cutting the suture, an initial reduction in the deformity was observed, but later it remained stable throughout the time (54◦ at two weeks). In the Nitinol group, a gradual reduction was observed in the scoliosis angle value, to a mean of 8.7◦ at two weeks. The curvature of the apical vertebral body and adjacent discs were partially corrected after two weeks of correcting the deformity. Conclusion: This scoliosis model has demonstrated the efficacy of a straight Nitinol wire fixed to the spinal column in the gradual correction of kyphoscoliosis and in the changes in its adjacent structures (AU)

Spinal deformities in a wild line of Poecilia wingei bred in captivity: report of cases and review of the literature.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the occurrence of various spinal deformations in a captive-bred wild line of Poecilia wingei (P. wingei). METHODS: Fish belonging to a wild line of P. wingei caught from Laguna de Los Patos, Venezuela, were bred in an aquarium home-breeding system during a period of three years (2006-2009). The spinal curvature was observed to study spinal deformities in P. wingei. RESULTS: Out of a total of 600 fish, 22 showed different types of deformities (scoliosis, lordosis, kyphosis), with a higher incidence in females. Growth, swimming and breeding of deformed fish were generally normal. CONCLUSIONS: Possible causes for spinal curvature in fish are discussed on the basis of the current literature. While it is not possible to determine the exact cause(s) of spinal deformities observed in the present study, traumatic injuries, nutritional imbalances, genetic defects or a combination of these factors can be supposed to be involved in the pathogenesis of such lesions.

Expression of kyphosis in young pigs is induced by a reduction of supplemental vitamin D in maternal diets and vitamin D, Ca, and P concentrations in nursery diets.

Kyphosis is an idiopathic disease characterized by abnormal, outward spinal curvature. A spontaneous outbreak and subsidence of kyphosis over a 4-mo period in the University of Wisconsin Swine Research and Teaching Center herd coincided with an accidental omission of vitamin D(3) in 1 of 2 premixes used in sow diets. This controlled experiment was conducted to determine whether vitamin D deletion from premixes used in sow diets would induce kyphosis in their offspring. Crossbred (Landrace × Large White), multiparous sows (n = 8) were fed corn-soybean meal diets supplemented with either 325 IU vitamin D(3)/kg (+D) or 45 IU vitamin D(3)/kg (-D) diet from breeding through lactation. The vitamin D concentrations duplicated formulations of diets fed during the earlier spontaneous outbreak. At weaning (approximately 4 wk), pigs were fed diets devoid of supplemental vitamin D and formulated to supply either 120% of the Ca and P requirements (HCaP) or 80% of the Ca and P requirements (LCaP) until wk 9. At wk 9, all pigs were fed the HCaP diet until wk 13. No evidence of kyphosis was observed in pigs at weaning. Pigs produced by -D sows and fed LCaP diets exhibited a 17% incidence (4/23 pigs) of kyphosis at wk 9. At wk 13, the incidence of kyphosis had increased to 32% (6/19 pigs). Unexpectedly at wk 13, pigs produced by +D sows and fed LCaP diets exhibited a 26% incidence (5/19 pigs) of kyphosis. None of the pigs fed HCaP diets from wk 4 to 13 displayed kyphosis, regardless of maternal diets. Evidence of kyphosis was detected at a younger age if pigs were produced by sows fed -D diets. Whole body and femur bone mineral content determined with dual energy X-ray absorptiometry were reduced (P < 0.05) in pigs fed LCaP vs. HCaP diets, but pigs produced by -D sows were more severely affected. Femur bending moments were reduced (P < 0.05) at wk 9 and 13 in pigs fed LCaP vs. HCaP diets. At wk 13, pigs produced by -D sows and fed LCaP diets had reduced (P < 0.05) bone mineral density and femur yield bending moment compared with pigs from +D sows fed LCaP diets. In conclusion, the 20 to 30% incidence of kyphosis induced by altering vitamin D, Ca, and P concentrations in maternal and nursery diets mimics the incidence observed in spontaneous outbreaks in afflicted herds. A reproducible vitamin D-induced kyphosis in young pigs offers a suitable model to study skeletal tissue characteristics, fetal skeletal tissue development, and potential treatments for pigs and human patients afflicted by this disease.

Thoracic kyphosis associated with hemivertebra.

OBJECTIVE: To radiographically assess the influence of thoracic hemivertebra on kyphosis and neurologic status in 45 dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Case series. ANIMALS: French Bulldogs without neurologic signs (n = 41) and 4 dogs with compressive spinal cord disease associated with hemivertebra. METHODS: Thoracic spinal radiographs were divided into 3 groups: 1 = dogs with no hemivertebra, 2 = dogs with hemivertebra but no associated neurologic signs, and 3 = dogs with hemivertebra associated with clinical signs. Vertebral canal height, vertebral column angle, and the step between 2 adjacent vertebrae were measured in each group. RESULTS: Vertebral canal height was not significantly different in the 3 groups; however, mean vertebral column angle was significantly (P < .001) different between groups 1 (178°) and 2 (169°), and group 3 (133°). Median cranial step was significantly different between groups (P < .001): 0 mm (group 1), 0.3 mm (group 2), 3 mm (group 3). CONCLUSIONS: Vertebral canal height does not differ between normal dogs and dogs with thoracic hemivertebra. There is an important association between neurologic signs and kyphosis and subluxation. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Vertebral realignment without vertebral canal opening could lead to spinal cord decompression in dogs affected by thoracic hemivertebra.