Transitional, fused and/or supernumerary vertebrae inthe lumbosacrocaudal region ofthe spine-Areality inmany domestic mammals.

Abstract

The aim ofthis study was toidentify the presence oftransitional lumbosacral and sacrocaudal vertebrae indomestic mammals, torealise acomparative analysis ofthe localisation and conformation ofthis abnormal condition. The research included the following species: cattle-29 specimens, sheep-32 specimens, horse- 31specimens, pig-26 specimens, rabbit-33 specimens, dog-89 specimens and cat-57 specimens. The spine oftheanimals was analysed post-mortem orradiologically. The investigations revealed the presence oftransitional vertebrae asfollows: incattle-3 cases (8.7%), all being about the lumbarisation ofthe first sacral vertebra (S1); insheep-3cases(9.37%), two lumbarisation cases ofS1 and one caudalisation ofS4 (the last sacral vertebra);inhorses- 4 cases (12.9%), all about the sacralisation ofCd1 (first caudal vertebra); inpigs-3 cases (11.53%), two lumbarisation cases ofS1 and one sacralisation ofCd1; inrabbits-3 cases (9.09%), alumbar supernumerary vertebra (L8) and two cases ofcaudalisation ofS4; indogs-4 cases (4.49%), alumbar supernumerary vertebra (L8) and 3 cases ofsacralisation ofthe last lumbar vertebra (L7 orL8); incats-3 cases (5.26%), two sacralisation cases ofthe last lumbar vertebra and one case ofcaudalisation ofthe last sacral vertebra (S3). Astrong lumbarisation process was observed inruminants (especially incattle), then inpigs, the sacralisation being prevalent incarnivores. The sacrocaudal transitional vertebra was predominant inhorses. Noevident influence ofthe sex and age ofthe animals was observed.