Ventral fusion

What is ventral fusion?

Ventral fusion is a congenital or acquired deformity of the cervical spine that causes the vertebral bodies to fuse together at the front. The vertebral bodies are the bony parts of the spine that surround the intervertebral discs. The intervertebral discs are soft buffers that lie between the vertebrae and act as shock absorbers. When the vertebral bodies fuse at the front, the space for the intervertebral discs is reduced and compression of the spinal cord or nerve roots can occur.

What are the causes of ventral fusion?

The exact causes of ventral fusion are not known, but it is thought to be a genetic or developmental disorder. This means that the disorder is either inherited or caused by an error in the development of the fetus in the womb. Ventral fusion can also be caused by trauma, infection or inflammation.

What are the symptoms of ventral fusion?

The symptoms of ventral fusion depend on how severe the fusion of the vertebral bodies is and which parts of the spinal cord or nerves are affected. The most common symptoms include

• Pain in the neck or shoulder area
• Stiffness or limited mobility of the head
• Weakness or paralysis in the front legs
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing
• Changes in behavior or personality

How is ventral fusion diagnosed?

To diagnose ventral fusion, your vet will need to perform a thorough clinical examination of your dog and ask about their medical history. They will also order X-rays or other imaging procedures such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to assess the structure of the cervical spine. These procedures can show whether there is fusion of the vertebral bodies and whether the spinal cord or nerves are compressed.

How is ventral fusion treated?

Treatment for ventral fusion depends on the severity of the condition and your dog's general health. In some cases, conservative therapy consisting of pain medication, anti-inflammatory medication, physiotherapy and lifestyle adjustments may be sufficient. This therapy is designed to relieve pain, reduce inflammation and improve mobility.

In other cases, surgical therapy may be necessary to release the fusion of the vertebral bodies and relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. However, surgical therapy is associated with risks and requires intensive aftercare and rehabilitation.

What is the prognosis of ventral fusion?

The prognosis of ventral fusion depends on many factors, such as the extent of the fusion, the degree of compression of the spinal cord or nerves, your dog's age and health, and the type of therapy. Some dogs can lead relatively normal lives with conservative therapy, while others may have permanent impairment of function or quality of life. In rare cases, ventral fusion can lead to life-threatening complications such as respiratory arrest or paraplegia.

How can ventral fusion be prevented?

Since the exact causes of ventral fusion are not known, there is no sure way to prevent the condition. However, there are some steps you can take to reduce the risk or alleviate the symptoms, such as

• Choose a responsible breeder who tests their dogs for genetic or hereditary conditions
• Keep your dog at a healthy weight to minimize stress on the spine
• Avoid excessive or jerky movements of your dog's head or neck
• Provide your dog with a balanced diet and plenty of water
• Consult your veterinarian for signs of pain, stiffness or weakness in your dog's neck or front legs.