Transitional Veterbral Segment - Page 1

I took my dog's x-rays to a specialist (Molly you were right). He saw what I saw in the dog's gait. (It wasn;t in my head) He showed me a little spot on an x-ray and said "That looks a little big" Then he palpated her back and said "yeah I can feel it."

So I told him I had purchased the dog for top level sport and future breeding. He said this is genetic. So I asked him to be very candid and if he thought the dog would be able to do the work. This is where I got confused. He said, "well she could grow out of it we just have to let her grow up and see. If she was just a pet I would not worry about what I was seeing at all."

So I have to talk to him again for clarification. I am assuming the ring sport jumps are out.

So let's say this is the Transitional Vertabral Segment. Have any of you had dogs with this disorder? If so what was your experience with it.

Here is a informative link

http://www.dogstuff.info/transitional_vertebral_segment_lanting.html

GARD--do a Google search for transitional vertebral segment, transitional vertebral body, transitional vertebra, transitional vertebrae, etc.

This what I find most interesting: "While first thought to have no clinical importance, transitional lumbosacral vertebral anomalies have recently been implicated as a cause of cauda equina syndrome in the dog."

Here are additional links:

http://www.jaaha.org/cgi/content/full/40/4/338

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=10340246&dopt=AbstractPlus

Many years ago (late 70's), I bred a litter (an inbreeding) with one bitch (OFA "excellent") having this anomaly. Her OFA report merely noted the existence of a transitional vertebra--no other comments. She exhibited no clincal discomfort. I lost track of her after selling her--following a litter of 14 puppies.

I doubt that many breeders would guarantee against this condition. You pup will not "grow out of it"--except, perhaps, in having clinical symptoms. She will always have a transitional vertebra. Let her grow up, indeed. With proper conditioning (especially, swimming) and muscular development, she could possibly become a sport dog but no a breeding candidate. 

GARD--do a Google search for transitional vertebral segment, transitional vertebral body, transitional vertebra, transitional vertebrae, etc.

My Annika had Transitional Vertabrae, at a little over 3 years old she exhibited a yelp while holding her left hind leg up when doing the recall from a down. This was the first incident, we rested her for 3 weeks thinking she had pulled something... The next time she exhibited the exact same type of pain when taking off for the blind search. Our TD at the club called it immediately, 3 days later at the specialist it was confirmed. She not only had TV but she had Cauda Equina. According to him and the vast amount of research I did, 95% of GSDs are born with TV and ALL dogs with Cauda Equina have TV. GENERALLY only sport or working dogs will have physical complications from this and don't have any problems until 5 years of age or older. While it is genetic, I have never held my breeder accountable for this. If 95% of the breed are born with this we would have a very small gene pool if we eliminated all of the dogs with TV from breeding. Until more research is done to develop a test to determine the genetic make-up of this horrible disease, for those of us in the sport or with working dogs, we must continue to be ever watchful of our dogs and their bodies. A friend of mine had a dog with Cauda Equina years ago, he showed signs on the track when coming up from article indication and was refusing to jump into his crate. There is a surgery to relieve the pressure caused by Cauda Equina and many working and sport dogs have had this, some go on and compete at the World Schutzhund Championships. We opted out for the surgery and went with retirement from the sport and a depo-medrol injection at the site. This seemed to work very well for our girl, she died a few months later from what we do not know but I will always wonder if the Depo injection didn't weaken her immune system and allow whatever it is that took her from us to attack her body more aggressively...

Best wishes to you and your pup!!

Darlene

Grass Valley, CA

Vom Herrenhaus German Shepherds

Thanks for the info.

As of right now he says what I am seeing in the gait is from "sciatic nerve impingment" to me that doesn't sound good. I guess what he was saying is that she could grow out of displaying outward symptoms. I guess she is stuck with me and we will wait and see.

It does seem as though the OFA does not consider this a reason to rule out breeding. If it comes to that I guess I will just have to be very informed and careful with my decisions.

As far as working, right now the doctor says what I am seeing is the result of "sciatic nerve impingment" that soesn't sound good to me, but I do think he ment she may grow out of showing outward symptoms.

so I guess my little dog is stuck with me for awhile and we will just have to see what happens.

Thanks again

Get A Real Dog,

I have personally suffered from several severe bouts of sciatica--same as "sciatic nerve impingment" . Hurts like bloody hell! However, it can be treated successfully.

About 4 years ago, I was referred by my sports medicine doctor to a pain specialist for a series of epidural injections (needle-guided via ultrasound) over a period of several months. I am absolutely fine now. No, I did not have a transitional vertebra--which does not cause sciatica.

I would suggest that you take your pup to a vet specializing in canine sports medicine or a neuologist (available at the VMTH at UC-Davis). In the meantime, don't work her.

GARD,

If I am not mistaken you live close to me, I live in the Sac area. The board certified vet that I went to is Dr. Richardson at Campus Commons, awesome guy. Great bedside manner and very thorough. If your pup is already experiencing sciatic impingment then she has Cauda Equina. TV is in reference to the sacral "mountain range" which is located where the lumbo and sacral areas meet. Please feel free to email me or PM me as I have done my research on this...

I have to agree with Louise and say stop all training until she has had a full workup by a board certified neuro/spinal specialist.

Darlene

Grass Valley, CA

Vom Herrenhaus, LLC