Transitional Vertebra in Dogs

Category
Bone & Joint
Breeds documented
10
Published sources
8

Overview

In the lower-back form, a spinal bone has a mixture of features from the lumbar spine and the sacrum, the fused bones beside the pelvis. This is a difference present from birth. The bone may be shaped differently on its two sides. Some dogs with this lumbosacral form develop earlier wear around the lower-back joint, which can lead to pain or trouble using the back legs.

Signs to watch for

  • Lower-back pain when the lumbosacral form causes problems
  • Difficulty using the back legs with related lower-back nerve compression
  • A weak tail with related lower-back nerve compression
  • Loss of bladder control with related lower-back nerve compression

The bone difference is present from birth; associated lower-back problems may become apparent in adulthood.

Emergency Go to an emergency vet now if your dog develops difficulty walking.

Diagnosis and tests

X-rays can identify the lumbosacral form and show whether the bone differs between its two sides. Screening uses views of the chest and lower-back spine together with a view of the sacrum. The Finnish Kennel Club can provide an LTV screening grade from 12 months of age. CT or MRI may be needed if nerve compression is suspected.

Breeds with documented risk

10 breeds

By breed size
  • 5 Medium
  • 4 Large
  • 1 Giant

Most popular breeds on this list

All 10 breeds, A to Z

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.

Sources

  1. kennelliitto.fi
  2. merckvetmanual.com
  3. merckvetmanual.com
  4. merckvetmanual.com
  5. Boxer: researchgate.net
  6. German Shepherd: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  7. Slovak Cuvac: bin.yhdistysavain.fi
  8. Yakutian Laika: jakutianlaika.fi