Post-Mortem Computed Tomographic Features of the Most Caudal Lumbar Vertebrae, Anatomical Variations and Acquired Osseous Pathological Changes, in a Mixed Population of Horses.
Abstract: The radiographic, ultrasonographic, and scintigraphic findings of horses with thoracolumbosacral pain have been previously reported. In this study, the computed tomographic appearance of anatomical variations and pathological changes of the equine caudal lumbar region through a post-mortem examination were investigated. A total of 40 horses that had died or were submitted for euthanasia, for reasons unrelated to the study, were included in the study. From all the specimens, the modified vertebral system was adopted to evaluate and describe the four most caudal lumbar vertebrae, which were numbered from a caudal reference point (lumbosacral junction), with the segment number designated within parentheses (i.e., L(i)-L(iv)). Contact of the spinous processes was detected in 21 specimens (54%) and fusion in 6 specimens (15%). Lumbar spondylosis was seen in 17 specimens (42.5%), more commonly on the lateral aspect or on both ventral and lateral aspects in 12 specimens (71%). The presence of spondylosis was found more commonly in older horses ( < 0.001). There was no difference in bony density in specimens with spondylosis or spinous processes contact compared to specimens without. The highest prevalence of bony changes was found at L(ii)-L(i) intertransverse joints in 28 specimens (97%) on the left and in 22 specimens (96%) on the right side. Spondylolisthesis and partial fusion of the L(ii)-L(i) vertebral disc were found in association with degenerative pathologies. This study showed a high frequency of several anatomical variations and acquired osseous pathological changes in the most caudal lumbar vertebrae via a CT examination.
Publication Date: 2023-02-19 PubMed ID: 36830530PubMed Central: PMC9951930DOI: 10.3390/ani13040743Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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The research examines the anatomical variations and pathological changes in the lowest lumbar vertebrae of horses using post-mortem CT scans. It particularly investigates the occurrence of spinal disorders, such as spondylosis and spondylolisthesis in horses of different age groups.
Overview of the Study
- The study involved conducting computed tomography (CT) scans on 40 horses that had either died or were euthanized for reasons unrelated to the study. The focus was on examining the caudal lumbar area (the lower lumbar vertebrae).
- The researchers used a modified vertebral system to describe the four lumbar vertebrae being studied. These were numbered from the lumbosacral junction and noted as L(i), L(ii), L(iii), and L(iv).
- The main objective of the study was to explore the variations and pathological changes that could occur in these parts of the equine spine. This included identifying the presence of conditions like spinous processes contact, spondylosis (degenerative arthritis), and fusion of vertebrae.
Main Findings
- Spinous processes contact (contact between the outward projections of the vertebrae) was identified in 21 of the 40 instances (54%), while fusion (joining of two or more bones) was seen in 6 instances (15%).
- Spondylosis (a type of osteoarthritis in the spine) was found in 17 horses (42.5%). This was more seen on the lateral or ventral aspects, or both, in 12 instances (71%). Older horses were more prone to spondylosis.
- In bony density comparison, it was found that the presence of spondylosis or spinous processes contact did not affect bone density. The two categories had similar densities.
- The majority of the bone changes (97%) were found at the L(ii)-L(i) intertransverse joints, especially on the left side, although similar findings were also recorded on the right side (96%). Here, spondylolisthesis (slippage of vertebral bone) and partial fusion of the L(ii)-L(i) vertebral disc were observed, often associated with degenerative diseases.
Conclusion
- Overall, the study identified significant anatomical variations and pathological abnormalities in the lumbar vertebrae of the studied horse sample. The findings implicitly indicate the importance of CT examinations for determining spinal health in horses.
Cite This Article
APA
Scilimati N, Angeli G, Di Meo A, Dall'Aglio C, Pepe M, Beccati F.
(2023).
Post-Mortem Computed Tomographic Features of the Most Caudal Lumbar Vertebrae, Anatomical Variations and Acquired Osseous Pathological Changes, in a Mixed Population of Horses.
Animals (Basel), 13(4), 743.
https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13040743 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, 06126 Perugia, PG, Italy.
- Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, 06126 Perugia, PG, Italy.
- Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, 06126 Perugia, PG, Italy.
- Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, 06126 Perugia, PG, Italy.
- Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, 06126 Perugia, PG, Italy.
- Sport Horse Research Centre, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, 06126 Perugia, PG, Italy.
- Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, 06126 Perugia, PG, Italy.
- Sport Horse Research Centre, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, 06126 Perugia, PG, Italy.
Conflict of Interest Statement
The authors declare no conflict of interest.
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