The aim of this study is to investigate the clinical significance of a common inherited vertebral anomaly, the lumbosacral transitional vertebra (LTV) in herding type dogs. It is carried out at the University of Helsinki and investigates dogs with LTV and compare them to normal dogs. Clinical neurological, orthopedic and physiotherapeutic examinations are performed. Static weight bearing is evaluated and hind limb lameness using force-plate analysis. The bony structures are assessed with CT. The back muscle volume, intervertebral discs, spinal canal and spinal nerves are evaluated from MRI. Clinical signs and lameness are compared to the muscle volume measurements and findings on CT and MRI in dogs with and without LTV at baseline and after a follow-up of 3 years. This novel research will clarify the relationship between muscle volume, imaging findings and clinical signs in dogs with LTV. With this knowledge we can improve the welfare of the dogs used in breeding, work and sports.

2025

2029