Lumbosacral
transitional vertebrae (LTV) frequently occur in German shepherd dogs.
The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence and interdependence
between LTV and canine hip dysplasia (CHD) as well as sacroiliac joint
degenerative changes visualized on ventrodorsal radiographs of the
pelvis in both working and companion German shepherd dogs. The presence
of LTV was found in 12% of working dogs and in 33% of companion dogs.
Similar incidence of hip dysplasia in both the groups was found. It has
been shown that dogs with LTV have a higher frequency of severe CHD. A
higher percentage of sacroiliac joint degenerative changes was observed
in dogs with no signs of LTV and in working dogs.
Keywords
- lumbosacral transitional vertebrae;
- canine hip dysplasia;
- sacroiliac joint degenerative changes;
- working dogs
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