title: Thoracic kyphosis associated with hemivertebra.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To radiographically assess the influence of thoracic hemivertebra on kyphosis and neurologic status in 45 dogs.
  
  
  METHODS
  Case series.
  
  
  METHODS
  French Bulldogs without neurologic signs (n = 41) and 4 dogs with compressive spinal cord disease associated with hemivertebra.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thoracic spinal radiographs were divided into 3 groups: 1 = dogs with no hemivertebra, 2 = dogs with hemivertebra but no associated neurologic signs, and 3 = dogs with hemivertebra associated with clinical signs. Vertebral canal height, vertebral column angle, and the step between 2 adjacent vertebrae were measured in each group.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Vertebral canal height was not significantly different in the 3 groups; however, mean vertebral column angle was significantly (P < .001) different between groups 1 (178°) and 2 (169°), and group 3 (133°). Median cranial step was significantly different between groups (P < .001): 0 mm (group 1), 0.3 mm (group 2), 3 mm (group 3).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Vertebral canal height does not differ between normal dogs and dogs with thoracic hemivertebra. There is an important association between neurologic signs and kyphosis and subluxation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Vertebral realignment without vertebral canal opening could lead to spinal cord decompression in dogs affected by thoracic hemivertebra.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Maisons Alfort Cedex, France. pmoissonnier@vet-alfort.fr
authors.forename: Pierre
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Moissonnier
authors.forename: Pauline
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Gossot
authors.forename: Stefano
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Scotti
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D004285:Dogs; D007738:Kyphosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D015588:Observer Variation; D011859:Radiography; D013117:Spinal Cord Compression / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging