A wedge vertebra in dogs is largely unknown, although it is the most common spinal deformity in dogs.
However, a wedge vertebra is a serious matter that usually needs to be taken care of by a veterinarian.
This article explains what a wedge vertebra is in dogs and how to treat it.
Wedge vertebra in dogs – a genetic defect?
A wedge vertebra is one deformity of the spinethat exclusively genetic causes has.
The name derives from the shape of the vertebra, which looks wedge-shaped instead of being rather elongated like the regular one.
The narrow end can be directed upwards, downwards and also to the side.
Alternatively, every now and then the Butterfly variant on. The middle is narrowed so that the vortex looks like a loop or a butterfly.
It is also possible that not only one wedge vertebra occurs, but several next to each other or distributed over the spine.
The inheritance of wedge vertebrae is recessive. This means the wedge vortices only occur when both parents have the corresponding genes bear in themselves.
Thus, supposedly healthy dogs can produce puppies with this deformity, even if their other puppies are healthy.
Important:
Of course, since a wedge vertebra is always genetic, dogs with wedge vertebrae should definitely not breed further.
Identify wedge vertebrae in dogs: symptoms
Because wedge vertebrae can occur anywhere in the spine, symptoms vary widely.
Sometimes affected dogs can even completely symptom free be. Some are there all their lives, others only until the end of vertebral growth. But this is rather rare.
Usually you notice neurological deficits at your dog. This can be reduced reflexes, pain or even motor problems up to paralysis.
But other bodily functions can also be affected, such as incontinence, difficulty passing stool or muscle atrophy, especially in the hind legs.
The problem arises because the vertebral canal is compressed by the so-to-speak missing end of the wedge vertebra and it collapses spinal cord compression comes.
A wedge vertebra is only visible if it forms a hyperkyphosis (a hump) or a hollow back or there is twisted spine (scoliosis).
Which dog breeds are particularly affected by wedge vertebrae?
Although a wedge vertebra can occur in any breed, small, overbred dog breeds are very often affected.
Because breeds like the French or English bulldog, Boston terrier and pug were bred to have a short and stocky chest.
But even larger dogs, whose breed is known for malformations, often hit wedge vertebrae.
These include, for example, the Doberman, Rottweiler, German Shepherd or German Shorthaired Pointer.
Wedge vertebra in dogs – treatment options
The most important treatment goal for a wedge vertebra is always freedom from pain and quality of lifet establish or secure.
Your vet cannot correct the malformation itself. Therefore, the treatment is primarily aimed at Treatment of symptoms and consequences away.
inflammation and swelling are often a problem due to the restricted movement that requires appropriate medication.
One gait misalignment can usually be well compensated with the help of physiotherapy or painkillers.
If the spinal cord compression is too severe and the wedge vertebra is conveniently located, a surgery conceivable.
With this, your vet removes part of the roof of the vertebral body so that the spinal canal has an opening.
To ensure that the spine does not become unstable, screws are used to stabilize it, which also remain in the body.
If there is a wedge vertebra in the rod, it can also be an option to surgically remove it. However, since the tail is very important for communication between dogs, this should only be a last option.
However, if your vet sees no chance that your dog will have a comfortable or tolerable life, a euthanasia to be spoken.
Perhaps the pain is too severe or the neurological problems are severely restricting the dog’s life.
If, on the other hand, the neurological deficits make life impossible, for example because breathing is paralyzed, then putting someone to sleep is also a salvation.
You should therefore always discuss euthanasia individually with your veterinarian and find out about other treatment options.
Wedge vertebrae in dogs – life expectancy
Whether a wedge vertebra has any influence on life expectancy at all depends heavily on its location.
Some dogs have no limitations from the deformed vertebrae and therefore a dog’s life like any other.
However, if the vertebra is in an unfavorable position, both the stress caused by the consequences and the consequences themselves can shorten life expectancy, in some cases significantly.
Because the pain caused by a wedge vertebra is a permanent stress factor that has a negative effect on your dog.
Also, the consequences can be so bad or painful that the consequences greatly shorten your dog’s life.
Conclusion
A wedge vertebra doesn’t occur often in dogs, but it can be devastating to them.
In addition to pain, neurological problems can also occur, which severely limit your dog’s quality of life.
Have you ever had a dog with a wedge vertebra? How was this determined? And how did he live with the deformity? Tell us about your experiences in the comments.