http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25124147

Vet Radiol Ultrasound. 2014 Aug 15. doi: 10.1111/vru.12192. [Epub ahead
of print]

CONGENITAL ABNORMALITIES OF THE VERTEBRAL COLUMN IN FERRETS.

Proks P1, Stehlik L, Paninarova M, Irova K, Hauptman K, Jekl V.

Abstract
Vertebral column pathologies requiring surgical intervention have been
described in pet ferrets, however little information is available on
the normal vertebral formula and congenital variants in this species.
The purpose of this retrospective study was to describe vertebral
formulas and prevalence of congenital vertebral anomalies in a sample
of pet ferrets. Radiographs of 172 pet ferrets (96 males and 76
females) were included in this retrospective study. In 143 ferrets
(83.14%), five different formulas of the vertebral column were recorded
with normal morphology of vertebrae (rib attachment included) but with
a variable number of thoracic (Th), lumbar (L), and sacral (S)
vertebrae. The number of cervical (C) vertebrae was constant in all
examined animals. Observed vertebral formulas were C7/Th14/L6/S3
(51.74%), C7/Th14/L6/S4 (22.10%), C7/Th14/L7/S3 (6.98%), C7/Th15/L6/S3
(1.74%), and C7/Th15/L6/S4 (0.58%). Formula C7/Th14/L6/S4 was
significantly more common in males than in females (P < 0.05).
Congenital spinal abnormalities were found in 29 ferrets (16.86%),
mostly localized in the thoracolumbar and lumbosacral regions. The
cervical region was affected in only one case. Transitional vertebrae
represented the most common congenital abnormalities (26 ferrets) in
the thoracolumbar (13 ferrets) and lumbosacral regions (10 ferrets)
or simultaneously in both regions (three ferrets). Other vertebral
anomalies included block (two ferrets) and wedge vertebra (one ferret).
Spina bifida was not detected. Findings from the current study
indicated that vertebral formulas may vary in ferrets and congenital
abnormalities are common. This should be taken into consideration for
surgical planning.

(c)2014 American College of Veterinary Radiology.

KEYWORDS:
Mustelidae; congenital anomaly; radiograph; spine; transitional
vertebra

PMID: 25124147 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

[Posted in FML 8175]