Cervical ribs in Dogs

Category: Bone & Joint
Breeds documented: 1
Published sources: 2

Overview

An extra rib can develop near the base of the neck, usually at the last neck vertebra. This change develops before birth and is called a cervical rib. It may affect one or both sides and can be found during imaging for another reason. Rarely, an abnormal rib can press on nearby nerves and cause foreleg pain or limping.

Signs to watch for

Persistent or recurring foreleg limping in rare symptomatic cases
Shoulder or foreleg pain in rare symptomatic cases
Reluctance to lower the head, described in one affected dog

Present from birth; a symptomatic dog was reported at two years old.

When to get help Book a vet visit for ongoing foreleg pain or limping.

Diagnosis and tests

X-rays of the neck and chest can reveal an extra rib. A CT scan gives more detailed views of the bones, while an MRI scan may help assess nearby soft tissues and nerves. The vet must relate the imaging finding to the dog's signs, since the rib may be incidental.

Breeds with documented risk

1 breed

By breed size

1 Small

PugSmall · Toy Group

Inheritance

Not yet known
None of the sources we use states how this is inherited in dogs yet.

We've gathered what published sources say about this condition, so you can talk it through with your vet. It isn't veterinary advice: you and your vet know your dog best.