Summary
Introduction: Cervical vertebral (C) malformation is rarely reported in large breed dogs. Congenital
cervical kyphosis (CCK) may result from defects of vertebral segmentation, failure
of formation or both. This report describes two cases of C3-C4 CCK in young sighthounds,
treated surgically.
Case description: An 18-month-old female Deerhound and a six-week-old female Borzoi dog were presented
because of the complaints of reluctance to exercise and signs of of neck pain. Both
dogs were neurologically normal. Diagnostic imaging revealed C3-C4 deformity, moderate
kyphosis, and spinal canal stenosis associated with chronic spinal cord pressure atrophy.
Both dogs underwent surgical treatment.
Results: A staged two-step surgery starting with dorsal decompression was elected in the Deerhound.
After the first surgical procedure, the dog developed focal myelomalacia and phrenic
nerve paralysis and was euthanatized. A ventral distraction-fusion technique with
two locking plates was performed in the Borzoi. This patient recovered uneventfully
and long-term follow-up computed tomography revealed complete spondylodesis.
Clinical significance: Until now, CCK has only been described in sighthounds. Congenital cervical kyphosis
might be considered a differential diagnosis in these breeds that are presented with
signs of cervical pain. Ventral realignment-fusion and bone grafting may be considered
for surgical treatment, although the earliest age at which this procedure can and
should be performed remains unclear.
Keywords
Congenital deformity - dog - kyphosis - sight-hound - spinal malformation
