This is a placeholder text
Group text
by Videx on 24 September 2010 - 17:09
Oh! so do I KYLE, but, pedantic begets pedantic.
by sueincc on 24 September 2010 - 17:09
Please ignore him Chris. I am so happy to see you back here posting, even if it is just a tentative toe in the water. You are one of the more knowledgable posters and have always been very helpful.
by KYLE on 24 September 2010 - 18:09
Videx,
Come on now. What is this really all about? Nice vocabulary by the way, I actually had to look that one up.
"pedantic (comparative more pedantic, superlative most pedantic)
Like a pedant, overly concerned with formal rules and trivial points of learning.
Being showy of one’s knowledge, often in a boring manner.
Being finicky or fastidious with language. "
Can we keep this germain to the topic in the op.
What is it exactly about the vertabrae that concerns them? Length, shape, curvature, spinal canal, all the above.
Kyle
Come on now. What is this really all about? Nice vocabulary by the way, I actually had to look that one up.
"pedantic (comparative more pedantic, superlative most pedantic)
Like a pedant, overly concerned with formal rules and trivial points of learning.
Being showy of one’s knowledge, often in a boring manner.
Being finicky or fastidious with language. "
Can we keep this germain to the topic in the op.
What is it exactly about the vertabrae that concerns them? Length, shape, curvature, spinal canal, all the above.
Kyle
by Videx on 24 September 2010 - 19:09
read the thread: German Sieger Show 2011
by Nellie on 24 September 2010 - 20:09
Thankyou for posting this Chris 
by Elkoorr on 24 September 2010 - 20:09
Thats a very interesting article. Thanks for posting this, Chris.
From my understanding there is enough data to support a genetic link for the narrowing of the spinal cord canal in the lumbar region. It was stated that the GSD has in general a more narrow canal than other large breeds and is therefore more prone to problems related to spinal stenosis and the Cauda Equina Syndrome, which would be the compression of the nerve fibers in that area. Symptoms can be caused by malformation / missallignement of the vertebrae narrowing the canal even further putting direct pressure on the nerve fibers, or by a herniated disc doing the same thing. It was mentioned the possibility to add a side-view x-ray when the dog is in for hips/elbows to check for abnormalities, however this would not show if the dog is prone to any disc related problems later on. To test this an MRI was recommended but is unlikely due to high cost involved and not enough machines avaiable. The MRI would basically be able to pick up on the elasticity of healthy disc material with a greater (imaging) signal, and differentiate to an unhealthy disc with none to little elasticity due to increased fiber tissue within the disc and much less imaging signal. Those "fiber" disc are more likely to rupture and push disc material towards the nerve fibers of the Cauda Equina. To clarify... the MRI would show if an at the moment healthy dog without symptoms is more or less likely to develop the disease later in life.
From my understanding there is enough data to support a genetic link for the narrowing of the spinal cord canal in the lumbar region. It was stated that the GSD has in general a more narrow canal than other large breeds and is therefore more prone to problems related to spinal stenosis and the Cauda Equina Syndrome, which would be the compression of the nerve fibers in that area. Symptoms can be caused by malformation / missallignement of the vertebrae narrowing the canal even further putting direct pressure on the nerve fibers, or by a herniated disc doing the same thing. It was mentioned the possibility to add a side-view x-ray when the dog is in for hips/elbows to check for abnormalities, however this would not show if the dog is prone to any disc related problems later on. To test this an MRI was recommended but is unlikely due to high cost involved and not enough machines avaiable. The MRI would basically be able to pick up on the elasticity of healthy disc material with a greater (imaging) signal, and differentiate to an unhealthy disc with none to little elasticity due to increased fiber tissue within the disc and much less imaging signal. Those "fiber" disc are more likely to rupture and push disc material towards the nerve fibers of the Cauda Equina. To clarify... the MRI would show if an at the moment healthy dog without symptoms is more or less likely to develop the disease later in life.
by 1doggie2 on 25 September 2010 - 17:09
Thank you for posting.
by Kalibeck on 26 September 2010 - 01:09
As some who co-owns a male who has sired several litters, & who has now developed back problems, I am extremely grateful for this thread, & am very concerned about the possibility of genetic involvement. My DDR/Czech male Wolf von der Hausmaul has a bad back....the vet could not tell if his problem was from a herniated disc or spinal stenosis/spondylosis. He's been doing very well lately, but if (I should say when) he becomes symptomatic again, he will be evaluated by a canine neurologist. Maybe then we'll know the truth. jackie harris
by Elkoorr on 26 September 2010 - 16:09
Jackie, a misalignment of the lumbar vertebrae should be easily seen on a site view x-ray, as well as an especially narrow canal in that region. For piece of mind have a specialist evaluate Wolf. If you feel comfortable you could also suggest to the owners that his progeny gets the site view once in at the Vet for hips to be done. Sorry about Wolf, I would worry too. There are just so many factors that potentially can cause back problems, it doesnt have to be stenosis.
by Kalibeck on 26 September 2010 - 21:09
Thank you, he's a wonderful dog, & we think the world of him. At nearly 10 years old, I want him to live comfortably, & right now he is. He will be eval'd when he has his next flare-up. Thanks again. jackie harris
Contact information Disclaimer Privacy Statement Copyright Information Terms of Service Cookie policy ↑ Back to top