Vertebral Malformations and Spinal Disease in Brachycephalic Breeds

Abstract

In recent years, we have increased our understanding of spinal disorders in small brachycephalic dogs, such as the Pug, French Bulldog, English Bulldog and Boston Terrier. Recent research has focused on the prevalence, breed-specific differences, diagnosis and treatment of vertebral and spinal malformations in these dogs. Vertebral malformations, including thoracic hemivertebra and caudal articular process dysplasia, are however commonly encountered on diagnostic imaging studies of clinically normal small dogs. These malformations are however only rarely associated with clinical signs and should most often be considered incidental findings on diagnostic imaging studies. Although it can therefore be challenging to differentiate between clinically relevant and irrelevant diagnostic imaging studies, it has become apparent that observation of such malformations is more often associated with clinical signs in Pugs compared to other brachycephalic breeds. Although vertebral malformations are only rarely the direct cause of clinical signs in French Bulldogs, they can contribute to development of more common spinal problems, such as intervertebral disc disease. This chapter discusses common spinal problems in small brachycephalic dogs with an emphasis on vertebral malformations. Breed-specific differences are highlighted together with new insights into the prevalence, clinical relevance, diagnosis and treatment of these congenital malformations.