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Home / Equine Research Bank / J Anat / A comparative study of breed differences in the anatomical c...
Journal of anatomy2021; 239(4); 829-838; doi: 10.1111/joa.13456

A comparative study of breed differences in the anatomical configuration of the equine vertebral column.

Abstract: The importance of the equine thoracolumbar vertebral column in orthopaedic disorders is well recognized and diagnostic imaging becomes more feasible, but little is known about variations in the anatomical configuration within breeds. In this descriptive post-mortem study, anatomical variations in three widely differing breeds: Warmblood horses, Shetland ponies and semi-feral Konik horses are described. The caudal cervical (C), thoracic (T), lumbar (L) and sacral (S) regions of the vertebral column of 30 Warmblood horses, 29 Shetland ponies and 18 Konik horses were examined using computed tomography and visualized by volume rendering. Homologous/morphologic variations in the caudal cervical area were frequently seen in Warmblood horses (43%), which was significantly more than in the other breeds (p < 0.001). The as standard described equine formula of 18 T, 6 L and 5 S vertebrae was seen in 78% of Konik horses, but only in 53% Warmblood horses and 38% Shetland ponies, which was significantly different (p < 0.05). Overall, Shetland ponies showed a higher tendency of thoracoization, lumbarization and more variations in the number of vertebrae and pairs of ribs. Ankylosed intertransverse joints (ITJs) between transverse processes of the lumbar vertebrae were most common between the second last and last lumbar vertebra and prevalence was significantly higher in Shetland ponies (61%), than in Warmblood horses (38%) and Konik horses (7%) (p < 0.0001). Cranial to the second last lumbar vertebra there were fewer ITJs ankylosed (14%) in Warmblood horses (p < 0.0095), and this decrease in number of ankylosed ITJs was different compared to the change in ankylosed ITJs in Shetland ponies (p < 0.005). ITJs occurred asymmetrically in 15% (12/77) of the cases. A limitation of the study was that clinical data of the horses were only incompletely available, precluding any conclusions about the potential clinical implications of anatomical variations. Knowledge of variation in osseous anatomy of the equine thoracolumbar vertebral column is important for the interpretation of diagnostic imaging. To assess the functional importance and clinical relevance of this variation, follow-up studies are necessary.
© 2021 The Authors. Journal of Anatomy published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Anatomical Society.
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Publication Date: 2021-05-15 PubMed ID: 33991425PubMed Central: PMC8450477DOI: 10.1111/joa.13456Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research focuses on exploring the variation in the anatomical structure of the vertebral column in three different horse breeds. These findings can help in better understanding and interpretation of diagnostic imaging related to orthopaedic disorders in horses.

Introduction

  • This research is based on an in-depth post-mortem study of the anatomical configuration of the vertebral column in three horse breeds – Warmblood horses, Shetland ponies, and semi-feral Konik horses.
  • It seeks to describe the differences in the structure of the vertebral column among these breeds, furthering our understanding of the composition of spinal anatomy.

Research Methodology

  • Various regions of the vertebral column were considered for the study, including the caudal cervical area, thoracic region, lumbar region, and the sacral region.
  • A total of 77 horses were examined, employing computed tomography and visualized by volume rendering for proper examination and results interpretation.
  • The study also delved into identified variations such as thoracoization, lumbarization and variations in the number of vertebrae and pairs of ribs.
  • Special attention was paid to ankylosed intertransverse joints (ITJs) between transverse processes of the lumbar vertebrae.

Findings

  • 43% of Warmblood horses showed variations in the caudal cervical area, a result which was significantly higher compared to the other analysed breeds.
  • The standard equine formula was found in 78% of Konik horses, but only in 53% Warmblood horses and 38% Shetland ponies.
  • Shetland ponies demonstrated a higher prevalence of thoracoization, lumbarization and also varied more in the number of vertebrae and ribs.
  • There was a notable prevalence of ankylosed ITJs between the second last and last lumbar vertebra, particularly in Shetland ponies (61%), in comparison to Warmblood horses (38%) and Konik horses (7%).

Limitations and Conclusion

  • A significant limitation of the study lies in the lack of comprehensive clinical data for the horses, which prevented the researchers from determining the implications of the anatomical variations on potential orthopaedic disorders.
  • These findings contribute to the understanding of the various anatomical variations in the equine thoracolumbar vertebral column, which can facilitate the interpretation of diagnostic imaging in horses.
  • For assessing the clinical relevance and functional importance of these variations, the researchers suggest further follow-up studies.

Cite This Article

APA
Spoormakers TJP, Veraa S, Graat EAM, van Weeren PR, Brommer H. (2021). A comparative study of breed differences in the anatomical configuration of the equine vertebral column. J Anat, 239(4), 829-838. https://doi.org/10.1111/joa.13456

Publication

Journal of anatomy
ISSN: 1469-7580
NlmUniqueID: 0137162
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 239
Issue: 4
Pages: 829-838

Researcher Affiliations

Spoormakers, Tijn Jan Pieter
  • Department of Clinical Sciences, Equine Division, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Veraa, Stefanie
  • Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Diagnostic Imaging, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Graat, Elisabeth Anna Maria
  • Department of Animal Sciences, Adaptation Physiology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
van Weeren, Paul René
  • Department of Clinical Sciences, Equine Division, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Brommer, Harold
  • Department of Clinical Sciences, Equine Division, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Horses
  • Lumbar Vertebrae / diagnostic imaging
  • Lumbosacral Region
  • Neck
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed

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This article has been cited 14 times.
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