Asymmetrical lumbosacral transitional vertebrae in dogs may promote asymmetrical hip joint development

Mark A. Flückiger¹; Frank Steffen²; Michael Hässig³; Joseph P. Morgan⁴

Objectives: This study examines the relationship between the morphology of the lumbosacral transitional vertebra (LTV) and asymmetrical development of the hip joints in dogs.

¹Clinic of Diagnostic Imaging, Department of Small Animal Clinics, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; ²Clinic of Small Animal Surgery, Department of Small Animal Clinics, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland ; ³Section of Herd Health, Department of Farm Animal Clinics, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; ⁴Department of Small Animal Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine, St. George’s University, Grenada, West Indies