Vertebral Column Deformities Research Articles

Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins face extirpation in Shantou waters

The Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin is an inshore species occurring in productive estuarine and coastal areas of the Indo-Pacific. Since the end of the 20th century, coastal region of China has experienced tremendous economic expansion, exposing this dolphin species to a wide range of human activities. Despite frequent voices of concern in the past three decades calling for research and conservation attention, protracted debates were not followed by constructive conservation actions due to the lack of or inconsistent use of demographic data. The current study examined 13-year sighting and photo-identification data collected for a small and little known population of humpback dolphins off the coast of Shantou (ST) in the northern South China Sea. Compared to conspecific populations inhabiting large or medium-sized estuarine systems, the ST dolphins have much larger home range (mean = 181.3 km2, S.D. = 87.7) which, however, has been shrinking recently due to coastal reclamations and expanding aquaculture farming. Although at least two dolphin births were recorded between 2010 and 2022, there was no successful recruitment of a non-calf individual. Meanwhile, the population shrank by 29.4 %, with the most updated population size of only 12 individuals, estimated in 2022. Based on the current demographic trend, we predict that the ST humpback dolphins will be extirpated within one or two decades. Furthermore, as the dolphins are aging and becoming less reproductively viable, there is little chance to reverse the declining trend even without additional stressors. Moreover, we noticed prevailing vertebral column deformities amongst the ST dolphins, possibly a sign of inbreeding depression of a small population. The present study exemplifies a typical case of a small, isolated and locally endangered dolphin population that is approaching local extinction without efficient monitoring program and conservation action. We emphasize that without solution-based research and efficient conservation planning, other humpback dolphin populations in China might soon follow in the steps of ST humpback dolphins.

Morphological Deformities in Stingrays (Dasyatidae) from the Rameswaram Island, South India

The present study reports the deformities in two different species of stingrays Maculabatis bineeshi and Neotrygon kuhlii along the Rameswaram Island. The structural deformity was observed in M. bineeshi species that were collected from Pamban–Therkuvadi fish landing centre, which was the first to be recorded along the Indian coasts with rostral irregularity of the aperture from the anterior margin of the snout around the right margin of the disc from the first gill opening. In addition to the first record, vertebral column deformity was observed in N. kuhlii, which was collected from Kunthukal fish landing centre. The external morphological characteristics showed a curved tail that had vertebral column deformities with severe scoliosis–kyphosis–lordosis starting from the pectoral girdle to the tail region

Congenital kyphoscoliosis associated with thoracic hemivertebrae in a 9‐month‐old Racking filly

SummaryThoracic hemivertebra is a rare congenital vertebral malformations in horses resulting in vertebral column deformity with or without neurological signs. A 9‐month‐old Racking filly was presented with a distinct lump over the back region. This lump was apparent at birth and had been increasing in size. Clinical examination revealed painless kyphoscoliosis over the thoracic vertebrae with mild hindlimb ataxia and gait abnormality. Plain radiographs of the vertebral column showed 13th–16th thoracic hemivertebrae. Myelography was performed under general anaesthesia. The ventral and dorsal aspects of the contrast medium column were narrowed at the level of the 13th–14th thoracic hemivertebrae. The contrast medium was not seen caudally, suggesting spinal cord compression. Little information about hemivertebra in horses exists, and a better understanding of hemivertebra aetiology is required.

Correlation Between Hand Length And Stature

Objective: The main objective is to know the correlation between hand length and height so that a regression equation could be obtained to use for personal identification. Method: A correlational study conducted at Sialkot medical college between April, 2022 to June, 2022. Only female students of Sialkot medical college were selected by non-probability purposive sampling technique. Sample size was 141. Those having any deformity of vertebral column and hand deformity were not selected. After taking informed consent measurements were taken. Stadiometer was used to measure the height and vernier caliber was used to measure hand length. The measurements were taken in inches. Descriptive data was calculated by using SPSS 25. Correlation was found and regression equation was obtained. Regression curve was also obtained. Graphs and table were formed. Results: Value of pearson coefficient between right hand length and height was 0.780 and between left hand length and height was 0.752. Conclusion: Hand length can be used to estimate height of the person helping to short list the persons to be identified.

Vertebral column deformity in six species of wild fish at the Coromandel coast, Bay of Bengal India

This study reports radiological deformities in the vertebral column of six fishes viz, Scomberomorus commerson, Chanos chanos, Sillago sihama, Pampus chinensis, Rastrelliger kanagurta and Netuma thalassina that were collected from the Coromandel coast, Bay of Bengal. Four main different types of vertebral column deformities were found: (i) whole body kypho-lordo-kyphosis (Sillago sihama, Rastrelliger kanagurta, Netuma thalassina); (ii) tail region kypho-lordosis (Scomberomorus commerson); (iii) tail region lordo-kyphosis (Chanos chanos); (iv) platyspondyly (Pampus chinensis). Seven types of vertebra body deformities, describing the pathology of single vertebrae, were present; reduced intervertebral space, compression, fusion, compresion & fusion, fusion center, dorsal wedge-shaped and compressed & dorsal wed-shaped. The present documentation of deformities in six different species that are also very different with regard to habitat, diet and swimming activity may suggest that fish deformities are widespread in the study area.

Compression Fractures and Partial Phenotype Rescue With a Low Phosphorus Diet in the Chihuahua Zebrafish Osteogenesis Imperfecta Model.

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a group of heritable disorders affecting bone and other connective tissues. Dominant OI forms are mainly caused by mutations in collagen type I. Patients suffer from skeletal deformities, fractures of long bones and vertebral compression fractures from early childhood onward. Altered collagen structure and excess mineralisation are the main causes for the bone phenotype. The Chihuahua (Chi/+) zebrafish has become an important model for OI. Given that reduced dietary phosphorus (P) intake reduces the bone mineral content and promotes bone matrix formation in teleosts, including zebrafish, we tested whether a low dietary P (LP) intake mitigates the OI phenotype in the Chi/+ model. To answer this question, we characterised the Chi/+ vertebral column phenotype at a morphological, cellular and subcellular level. We present the first description of vertebral compression fractures in Chi/+ and assess the effects of LP diet on the Chi/+ phenotype (Chi/+LP). Compared to untreated Chi/+, two months of LP dietary treatment decreases vertebral deformities in the abdominal region and reduces shape variation of caudal vertebral bodies to a condition more similar to wild type (WT). At the histological level, the osteoid layer, covering the bone at the vertebral body endplates in WT zebrafish, is absent in Chi/+, but it is partially restored with the LP diet. Whole mount-stained specimens and histological sections show various stages of vertebral compression fractures in Chi/+ and Chi/+LP animals. Both Chi/+ and Chi/+LP show abundant osteoclast activity compared to WT. Finally, the ultrastructure analysis of WT, Chi/+ and Chi/+LP shows Chi/+ and Chi/+LP osteoblasts with enlarged endoplasmic reticulum cisternae and a high protein content, consistent with intracellular retention of mutated collagen. Nevertheless, the secreted collagen in Chi/+LP appears better organised concerning fibre periodicity compared to Chi/+. Our findings suggest that a reduced mineral content of Chi/+ bone could explain the lower frequency of vertebral column deformities and the restored shape of the vertebral bodies in Chi/+LP animals. This, together with the improved quality of the bone extracellular matrix, suggests that two months of reduced dietary P intake can alleviate the severe bone phenotype in Chi/+ zebrafish.

Vertebral column adaptations in juvenile Atlantic salmon Salmo salar, L. as a response to dietary phosphorus

Deficiency in dietary phosphorus (P) is considered as a nutritional risk factor for the development of vertebral column deformities in farmed Atlantic salmon Salmo salar, L. This mono-factorial study examines how 11-week deficiency and excess of dietary P influence the structure and microstructure of the vertebral bodies in juvenile, freshwater stages of Atlantic salmon. Animals were fed continuously with three diets containing different levels of total P (tP) and soluble P (sP), respectively: low P (LP) = 6.8 g/kg tP, 3.5 g/kg sP, regular P (RP) = 10.0 g/kg tP, 5.6 g/kg sP, and high P (HP) = 13.0 g/kg tP, 9.3 g/kg sP. Animals were analysed for plasma and bone mineral content, vertebral column deformities (x-ray), vertebral centra stiffness, bone mineralisation pattern and vertebral body microanatomy (cells and connective tissue structures). A low (background) level of deformities was observed on a gross morphological level but no increase and no specific type of vertebral column deformity was associated with either of the three groups. While feed intake was comparable among all diet groups animals fed LP showed a 50% reduction in total calcium (Ca) and P content in abdominal vertebrae and opercula. Regular P and HP animals showed similar levels of total Ca and P in abdominal vertebrae and opercula. Animals in all diet groups showed well-developed vertebral bodies. Low P animals had vertebral centra, neural and haemal arches with large areas of non-mineralised bone. Vertebral centra stiffness in LP animals was reduced accordingly. Regular P and HP animals showed comparable values for vertebral centra stiffness. Non-mineralised vertebral body end plates of LP animals developed a slight inward bending and intervertebral ligaments increased in length and thickness. The cellular and extracellular components of the intervertebral joints remained intact without structural alterations that would indicate the development of vertebral centra compression or fusion. Animals from all three diet groups showed active osteoblasts at the vertebral body growth zone. Despite the three-fold decline in plasma inorganic P in LP animals growth continued at the same rate as in RP and HP animals. It is discussed whether the use of a P-reduced diet under a continuous feeding regime can maintain growth without adverse effects for animal health and welfare. This study further discusses that a HP diet relative to an RP diet has no beneficial effect concerning bone formation, bone mineralisation, growth and prevention of vertebral centra deformities in Atlantic salmon parr.

Identification of skeletal deformities towards deep phenotyping of zebrafish (Danio rerio) connective tissue disease models

Background/Introduction: Skeletal deformities in teleost fish have already been extensively described in studies on Atlantic salmon and zebrafish. Nevertheless, a toolset encompassing thorough identification and description of vertebral column deformities to study zebrafish models for human diseases with skeletal involvement is currently lacking. Purpose: A detailed characterization of skeletal deformities by identifying, describing and quantifying the anomalies will facilitate the development of a reliable deep-phenotyping tool. This tool can be used to establish data matrices by scoring anomalies present in different zebrafish models, which can be used to quantitatively distinguish mild and severe phenotypes. The ability to determine phenotypic severity in disease models is extremely valuable for proper translation towards human diseases, but also to reveal candidate modifier genes that contribute to intrafamilial skeletal variability. Methods: Zebrafish, 13 col1a1amh13/+, 13 col1a1adc124/+, 11 col1a2mh15/+ and 27 WT siblings, were fixed, and made translucent with a mixture of 4% formalin, Triton X-100 and potassium hydroxide (KOH). Subsequently, whole mount bone staining was performed with an Alizarin red S/KOH solution, followed by clearing in a glycerol series. Observations of the skeleton were made using a binocular microscope (Leica M165FC) with a fluorescent unit and equipped with a Leica DFC 450 C camera. Results: In total, 15 skeletal deformity types were identified and defined: (i) fusion, (ii) compression, (iii) vertical shift of the vertebra, (iv) fractures, (v) curvy ribs), (vi) extra intramembranous bone on the arches and spines (associated elements)and vertebral centra, (vii) bent associated elements, (viii) double associated elements, (ix) detached associated elements, (x) notochord tissue mineralization, (xi) intervertebral ligament mineralization, (xii) lordosis, (xii) kyphosis, (xiii) scoliosis and (xiv) torsion of the vertebral column around the central axis. Conclusion(s): Deep phenotyping of zebrafish models for skeletal disease will lead to better understanding of expressed phenotypes and of the underlying mechanisms and may lead to identifying new therapeutic targets.

Vertebral column deformity with curved cross-stitch vertebrae in Norwegian seawater-farmed Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L.

Pathological changes in the vertebral column of farmed Atlantic salmon in Norway have been reported since the 1990s. Based on the characteristic radiographic findings, we here present a vertebral column deformity named "curved cross-stitch vertebrae" that mainly affects the middle aspect of the vertebral column. Sixty fish, from the west/northwest coast of mid-Norway, were sampled at slaughter and examined by radiography, computed tomography (CT), necropsy, macrophotography, and histology. The vertebral deformities were radiographically graded as mild, moderate, or marked. The main differences between these grades of changes were defined by increased curving of the peripheries of endplates, reduced intervertebral spaces, and vertical displacement of the vertebrae. The curved rims of endplates were located peripheral to a continuous and approximately circular borderline. The CT studies revealed small, multifocal, hypo-attenuating, round to crescent-shaped areas in the notochord, compatible with the presence of gas. Additionally, histology revealed that the axial parts of endplates had circular zones with perforations, through which either notochordal tissue prolapsed into the vertebrae or vascularized fibrochondroid proliferations extended from the vertebrae into the notochord. Inflammation was present in many vertebral bodies. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of gas in the notochord of fish.

Internal Morphological Effects of Growth Hormone Transgenesis in Coho Salmon

AbstractEffects of growth hormone (GH) overexpression on internal morphology were examined in homozygous and hemizygous GH transgenic Coho Salmon Oncorhynchus kisutch aided by clearing and staining and magnetic resonance imaging methodologies. Morphological effects of transgenesis were observed in pin bones in fast‐growing hemizygous transgenic salmon, in vertebral column and swim bladder deformities in homozygotes, and as nonproportional modifications to some cranial structures examined among groups. These data provide further examples of the complex pleiotropic effects arising from GH overexpression in transgenic salmon.

Molecular genetic analysis of genes for detoxification and DNA repair in children with congenital deformities of the thoracic and lumbar spine

Introduction. Spine congenital curvatures, which form from anomalies in the development of vertebral bodies, comprise 3.2% of the general structure of vertebral column deformities. Several such anomalies present during adolescence lead to severe and rigid curvature of the spinal column and are often accompanied by irreversible neurological disorders. The timely detection of the progressive forms of curvature and early surgical treatment are measures that prevent against neurological deficit development and gross congenital deformities of the spine in children. However, it is extremely difficult to predict the course of congenital spinal column deformation in infants based on clinical and radiological investigations alone. Therefore, the study of congenital malformation genetic markers is an essential and immediate task.
 Materials and methods. Two hundred 1.2–16-year-old children with congenital deformities of the thoracic and lumbar spine were examined using clinical and radiation diagnostic methods. Molecular genetic studies were performed by analyzing several polymorphic regions in the genes for the first and second stages of detoxification and DNA repair, which are of clinical importance as predisposing factors in several congenital malformations. Polymorphisms were determined using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. The results were determined using gel electrophoresis of DNA in a polyacrylamide gel.
 Results and discussion. The polymorphisms of the genes CYP1A2, NAT2, GSTM1, GSTT1, GSTP1, XRCC1, XRCC3 and their frequency distributions among patients with congenital spine deformities (CSD) were studied. The results for each gene are presented in the digital diagrams, and their indicators are compared with the values of the control group.
 Conclusion. In most patients (83%) with spinal congenital deformations, there were mutations of candidate genes in the homozygous state; however, the simultaneous carriage of several mutant alleles in patients with CSD was more than twice that in the control group. Children with multiple and combined defects in spine development noted the presence of more mutations in the genes for detoxification and DNA repair. The obtained results already assume to a certain extent the course of the spine congenital deformity in patients at an early age. However, the final evaluation and identification of molecular genetic criteria for the progressive course of spine congenital deformities in children requires further study.

Management of The Cervical Spine Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis of the cervical spine is a rare clinical condition (10%), most commonly affected lower thoracic region (40-50% of the cases). Spinal tuberculosis is a destructive form of tuberculosis. It accounts for approximately half of all cases of musculoskeletal tuberculosis. Spinal tuberculosis is more common in children and young adults. The incidence of spinal tuberculosis is increasing in developed nations. Characteristically, there is a destruction of the intervertebral disk space and the adjacent vertebral bodies, collapse of the spinal elements, and anterior wedging leading to kyphosis and gibbus formation. For the diagnosis of spinal tuberculosis, magnetic resonance imaging is more sensitive than x-ray and more specific than computed tomography. Magnetic resonance imaging frequently demonstrates an involvement of the vertebral bodies on either side of the disk, disk destruction, cold abscess, vertebral collapse, and presence of vertebral column deformities. Anti-tuberculous treatment remains the cornerstone of treatment. Surgery may be required in selected cases, e.g. large abscess formation, severe kyphosis, an evolving neurological deficit, or lack of response to medical treatment. The quality of debridement and bony fusion is optimal when the anterior approach is used. Posterior fixation is the best means of achieving reduction followed by stable sagittal alignment over time. With early diagnosis and early treatment, the prognosis is generally good.

Management of The Cervical Spine Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis of the cervical spine is a rare clinical condition (10%), most commonly affected lower thoracic region (40-50% of the cases). Spinal tuberculosis is a destructive form of tuberculosis. It accounts for approximately half of all cases of musculoskeletal tuberculosis. Spinal tuberculosis is more common in children and young adults. The incidence of spinal tuberculosis is increasing in developed nations. Characteristically, there is a destruction of the intervertebral disk space and the adjacent vertebral bodies, collapse of the spinal elements, and anterior wedging leading to kyphosis and gibbus formation. For the diagnosis of spinal tuberculosis, magnetic resonance imaging is more sensitive than x-ray and more specific than computed tomography. Magnetic resonance imaging frequently demonstrates an involvement of the vertebral bodies on either side of the disk, disk destruction, cold abscess, vertebral collapse, and presence of vertebral column deformities. Anti-tuberculous treatment remains the cornerstone of treatment. Surgery may be required in selected cases, e.g. large abscess formation, severe kyphosis, an evolving neurological deficit, or lack of response to medical treatment. The quality of debridement and bony fusion is optimal when the anterior approach is used. Posterior fixation is the best means of achieving reduction followed by stable sagittal alignment over time. With early diagnosis and early treatment, the prognosis is generally good.

Effect of Structured Counselling on Women's Ch< oice of Anaesthesia for Elective Repeat Caesarean Section (ERCS) At Abbasi Shaheed Hospital: A Cross Sectional Comparative Survey

Objective: To evaluate the effect of structured counselling on women's choice of obstetrical anaesthesia for elective caesarean section.
 Methods: This was a cross-sectional comparative survey conducted at department of gynaecology (unit II), Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, Karachi, from 1st January, 2017 to 30th June, 2017. The study included 250 pregnant women at term ( ³37 weeks) with a prior caesarean section, planned for elective caesarean having no contraindications to spinal or general anaesthesia. Excluded from the study were women with obstetric emergencies like antepartum haemorrhage, cord prolapse, eclampsia, disseminated intravascular coagula- tion, vertebral column deformities, foetal distress and obstructed labour. They were asked about the technique of anaesthesia they would prefer for their caesarean section. The women then received structured counselling and the choice was assessed again. Chi-square statistic was applied to assess the association between both choices taking p-value of £ 0.05 as statistically significant. Data were analysed using the SPSS software program, version 15.0 (IBM, Armonk, USA).
 Results: Out of 250 women recruited, before counselling 116 (46.4%) chose general anaesthesia, 94 (37.6%) women chose spinal anaesthesia whereas 40 (16%) had no particular preference. After receiving structured counselling 68 (27.2%) women chose general, 170 (68%) women opted for spinal and 12 (4.8%) women still remained undecided. The effect of structured counselling was assessed by cross-tabulating pre- counselling choice and post-counselling choice. The Chi-square test statistic was significant at p < 0.001 showing a significant association of structured counselling on the choice of anaesthesia.
 Conclusion: Women's choice is significantly altered by the counselling. Majority of women's beliefs are shaped by past experience and the information they receive. Significant improvement can be expected in near future if more consistent information is provided. Consistency can be ensured by use of patient informa- tion leaflets.

Incidence of Probable Vertebral Column Deformities in Norwegian and Icelandic Killer Whales (Orcinus orca)

Incidence of Probable Vertebral Column Deformities in Norwegian and Icelandic Killer Whales (Orcinus orca)

MP68-16 PERCUTANEOUS NEPHROLITHOTOMY ACCESSED BY SVOF TWO-STEP DILATION WITH ULTRASOUND-GUIDED PRONE POSITION PUNCTURE FOR 11 507 PATIENTS

You have accessJournal of UrologyStone Disease: Surgical Therapy VI1 Apr 2017MP68-16 PERCUTANEOUS NEPHROLITHOTOMY ACCESSED BY SVOF TWO-STEP DILATION WITH ULTRASOUND-GUIDED PRONE POSITION PUNCTURE FOR 11 507 PATIENTS xiao yu, ejun peng, shaogang wang, and zhangqun ye xiao yuxiao yu More articles by this author , ejun pengejun peng More articles by this author , shaogang wangshaogang wang More articles by this author , and zhangqun yezhangqun ye More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.juro.2017.02.2332AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Objective: To evaluate the efficiency and validity of type-B ultrasound guided prone position percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) accessed by two-step dilation. METHODS Methods: A total of 11 507 patients with 12 203 kidneys or upper ureter calculi underwent PCNL accessed by two-step dilation percutaneous nephrolithotomy between June 2006 to Sept 2016, including 524 patients with solitary kidney, 204 with kidney cysts, 132 with horseshoe kidney, 78 with vertebral column deformity, 84 with medullary sponge kidney and 12 transplanted kidney. Stone burdens were (46.1± 34.5) mm in length. RESULTS Results: 98.1% of 12 203 operations were successful in one-session access, in which 10 922 PCNLs were accessed by single tract (89.5%), 1 048 by double tracts (8.5%) and 87 by triple-tracts (0.7%). The mean operating time was (65.4± 31.8) min, the mean first accessing time were (16.5±12.0) min and the mean calculi-dealing time were (36.1± 52.4) min. The stone-free rate after one session operation was 98.2% for single calculus and 71.4% for multiple or staghorn calculi. Of all the kidneys, 1 122 (9.2%) accepted another PCNL to remove the residual calculi, and the last stone-free rate of PCNL was 87.5%. During and after operation, 156 cases (1.2%) needed transfusion, 89 (0.7%) underwent selective embolization of renal artery. No injury of organs occurred except for 9 (0.07%) cases with pneumatothorax and 9 (0.07%) with septic shock. CONCLUSIONS Conclusion: PCNL accessed by SVOF two-step dilation with ultrasound-guided prone position puncture is effective and safe. © 2017FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 197Issue 4SApril 2017Page: e924 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2017MetricsAuthor Information xiao yu More articles by this author ejun peng More articles by this author shaogang wang More articles by this author zhangqun ye More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

A rare case of non-contiguous multifocal spinal tuberculosis

Spinal tuberculosis is defined as an Infection of the intervertebral disc and the adjacent vertebral bodies, caused by Mycobacterium Tuberculosis (MT). It represents 40% of all osteo-articular spondylitis. It is a common disease in Africa, and recently there has been an upsurge in developed countries in relation to Human Immunodeficiency Virus infection. The early management is associated to a good outcome, and the diagnosis relies on imaging and disco-vertebral biopsy, it is characterized by a low amount MT in lesions and involves the slow multiplication MT. The treatment is based on antibacillary associated to surgical treatment in case of neurological deficit, and presence of vertebral column deformities. We report a rare case of a 46 years old patient, treated 3 years ago for pulmonary tuberculosis, who consults for diffuse back pain, the clinical examination finds a conscious patient, with a diffuse spinal syndrome, without neurological deficit or sphincter disorders. The radiological assessment shows a non contiguous multifocal spinal tuberculosis interesting the cervicodorsal and thoracolumbar junction.The patient underwent a vertebral biopsy, the histological examination confirms the spinal tuberculosis. He was proposed to surgical treatment to prevent the kyphosis progression.

The use of corsetry to treat Pott’s disease of the spine from 19th century Wolverhampton, England

Corsets have been used both to create a fashionable silhouette and as an orthopaedic treatment for spinal conditions, but skeletal changes associated with the use of corsetry are rarely reported on in the palaeopathological literature. Here, we report on a 19th-century adult male with Pott’s disease of the vertebral column and related vertebral compression deformities. Wolverhampton HB40 presented destruction of the vertebral bodies of T6 to L4, ankylosis of the apophyseal joints of L1 and L2 and an angular kyphosis of the lumbar region, the result of tuberculosis. The presence of flattened spinous processes and bilateral acute angulation of multiple ribs in the lower thoracic region is indicative of plastic deformation caused by the use of the corset. The presence of both of these changes in an adult male, at a time when the use of cosmetic corsets by men was in decline, suggests that the compression trauma was the result of an orthopaedic corset used to correct the defective posture resulting from tubercular kyphosis, although corset use to obtain a fashionable silhouette cannot be ruled out.

Health survey of 167 pet rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in Finland

Only a limited amount of information is available about health status of pet rabbits. The aim of this study was to obtain data about the health status of pet rabbits...

Vertebral column deformities in white-beaked dolphins from the eastern North Atlantic.

Five white-beaked dolphins Lagenorhynchus albirostris with outwardly vertebral kyphosis, kyphoscoliosis or lordosis were identified during a photo-identification survey of over 400 individuals (2002-2013) in Faxaflói and Skjálfandi Bays, Iceland. In addition, 3 stranding reports from Denmark, The Netherlands and the UK were analysed, providing both external observation and post mortem details of axial deviations of the vertebral column in this species. Two of the free-ranging cases and 2 of the stranded specimens appeared to have an acquired disease, either as a direct result of trauma, or indirectly from trauma/wound and subsequent infection and bony proliferation, although we were unable to specifically identify the causes. Our data represent a starting point to understand vertebral column deformations and their implications in white-beaked dolphins from the eastern North Atlantic. We recommend for future necropsy cases to conduct macro- and microscopic evaluation of muscle from both sides of the deformed region, in order to assess chronic or acute conditions related to the vertebral deformations and cause of death.