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Figure 2. Diagram showing the shape of normally-formed vertebrae in the spinal column and how the spinal cord runs through them. The internal anatomy of dogs, is very similar to the anatomy of other carnivorous mammals such as the cat. Dogs have a well-developed brain which is composed of different parts. The cerebrum is the part of the dog's brain which performs functions such as learning. The cerebellum is for coordination and the medulla oblongata which is located in the brainstem. This latter part is used for autonomous function such as breathing and connects to the spinal cord. Pain from spinal cord compression (squashing) can be severe. Affected dogs can also lose function in their hind limbs and sometimes lose bladder and bowel control. Not all animals with hemivertebrae develop these signs; some have milder signs of ataxia or no signs at all. Sadly, the chance of IVDD happening again to your Frenchie is high. To prevent this from happening again, some facilities performed precautionary methods on all French bulldogs that chose surgery for their disc herniation. The reproductive system of male dogs consists of testicles, the prostate, seminal vesicles and the penis. For female dogs (bitches), he reproductive system is comprised of the vulva, the clitoris, the vagina, he cervix and the uterus. The uterus is where puppies gestate and is attached to the ovaries.
Hemivertebrae can occur in any breed but are most common in brachycephalic, screw-tailed dogs such as French bulldogs (also English bulldogs, Pugs and Boston terriers). This is because the kinked tails that many find desirable in these breeds result from hemivertebrae in the tail region of the spine and these breeds have genes that tend to cause the formation of hemivertebrae elsewhere in the spinal column as well as in the tail (LeCouteur and Grandy 2000). The commonest region of the spine to be affected by hemivertebrae, in French bulldogs, is the chest (the thoracic area (LeCouteur and Child 1995). Additionally, animal rehabilitation, like swimming exercises, reflexology, and simple activity, is suggested. The physical therapist must be present and shall do at their units. They are trained and professional, so there is nothing to fear. Brachycephaly: the head of a brachycephalic dog tends to be characterized by being equally long as it is wide. Additionally, they have a very marked stop. Due to their particular anatomy, they tend to suffer respiratory problems, the acuteness of which depends on the acuteness of the brachycephaly. Breeds which possess this skull shape include Bulldogs, Boxers, Pugs, Pekingese and others.Figure 5. Hemivertebrae is the cause of kinked or screw tails in some breeds of dog, such as the Boston Terrier and Pug (shown here). This condition makes them prone to developing hemivertebrae elsewhere in the spinal column also. (Image sourced from Wikipedia at www.wikipedia.org/Pug ). Male dogs also have a penis bone, known as the baculum. This is common among mammals as it is used to maintain an erection during intercourse. Theoretically, this is believed to be down to the fact that dogs have to copulate for longer as they have less opportunity for mating in the wild (i.e. they have to make it count). Humans do not have a baculum as it is believed we have more opportunity thanks to relative availability of partners. How many bones does a dog have?
After spinal surgery requires a commitment, this is when your pet will need your extra care, so be sure to be always there for your adorable Frenchie. Chances of IVDD happening again in French Bulldogs The dog's spine is divided into cervical vertebrae, thoracic vertebrae, lumbar vertebrae, sacral vertebrae and coccygeal vertebrae. A similarity in dog anatomy is that all dog breeds have the same amount and type of teeth, even if their bite shape varies. Some dog's teeth clamp together when they close their mouth with their incisors rubbing together. Others have a scissor type bite where the inner edge of the upper incisors rub against the outer edge of the lower incisors. Additionally, there are dogs with proganthism. This is a condition where the lower jaw protrudes out from the upper one. This is very typical of breeds such as the Boxer or French Bulldog. Finally, when the upper incisors protrude past the lower incisors, we refer to enognatism. This is always considered a defect in a dog and is not linked to any particular breed. This can sometimes result in neurological issues if the spinal cord or nerves are affected by the abnormality. In severe cases, it can lead to paralysis or other mobility problems.Bully vertebral malformations are due to abnormal development of their “vertebral body” that matures into a wedge shape body instead of the normal elongated vertebral body. Occasionally, this bulldog’s malformed, wedged vertebrae will compress the spinal cord.
The French Bulldog weighs between 19 and 28 lbs. (the English weighs 50-55) and has what are called bat ears, wide at the base, narrower and rounded at the top, and situated high on the head. While its smaller body appears as compact and sturdy as the English Bulldog, its head does not appear as massive. The wide, up-turned lower jaw projects noticeably in front of the upper jaw. The floppy flaps of skin that hang past the lower jaw are called "flews" or "chops." 2-part skull (separate cranium & jaw). The presence of hemivertebrae seen on x-rays may also be a confusing finding. Older French bulldogs may have spinal disease from other causes and detection of hemivertebrae may make diagnosis of the real cause difficult. The exact genetics of this condition have yet to be worked out; however, French bulldogs are considered to be predisposed to hemivertebrae because of the breed characteristic of a screw-tail. The gene(s) causing the screw-tail deformity (which involves hemivertebrae in the tail) are thought also to be involved in producing hemivertebrae elsewhere in the spine. Jeffery N, Smith P and Talbot C (2007) Imaging findings and surgical treatment of hemivertebrae in three dogs. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 230: 532-536 Colter S (1993) Congenital anomalies of the spine. In Bojrab M (Ed) Disease mechanism in Small Animal Surgery. 2nd Ed. London: Lippincott, Williams and WilkinsAs we explain above, canine anatomy is far ranging due to the diversity of existing breeds. These different breeds not only differ from each other in size, but in the shape of many body parts. Perhaps the most significant is head shape. There are three main different types of head formation in dogs: Radiographs or X-rays are beneficial in diagnosing IVDD. But remember that radiographs or X-rays alone are not enough. However, they assist the search for other causes like tumors, bone infections, and broken bones. In dogs with hemivertebrae, the malformed vertebrae can lead to curvature of the spine, which is known as scoliosis, kyphosis, or lordosis, depending on the direction of the curvature. Not known, though whilst the breed standard includes a screw-tail the condition seems likely to persist. It seems likely, since the screw tail is caused by hemivertebrae in the tail, that out-breeding to dogs with straight tails, then selection for a straight tail might be a way forward to eliminate this welfare problem. Dogs are facultative carnivorous animals, meaning their digestive system is designed for the consumption of meat. The digestive tract is made up of the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, liver, pancreas, gallbladder and various attached glands.
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