Fused vertebra in the tail of a Flemish giant rabbit
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Flemish giant rabbit with fused
vertebra in the tail The issue of
congenital fused vertebra in the tail is not widely documented in rabbits, except
for toxicological studies in pregnant does. The newborn rabbits exhibited
vertebral fusion at the level of the tail or thorax. This fusion occurs
during the development of the embryo and is present at birth. The fusion of
the tail vertebra may be indicative of incorrect vertebral segmentation
during the development of the embryo. Fusion is possible between two adjacent
vertebrae through the intervertebral disks, which are elastic disks located
between adjacent vertebrae bones that absorb shocks. This can result in: -
Pressure on the spine regions
located above or under the fused vertebra. -
An abnormal elongation of the
nerve root that emerges out of the fused segment. Depending on the affected
region of the spine, it can lead to neurologic problems. -
An angular deformation of the
spine. Few skeletal
problems have been observed in Flemish Giants and other large rabbit breeds
with strong skeletons and heavy bodies. These breeds experience significant
body growth over a longer period of time. The most common problems are hip
dysplasia and degenerative spondylosis (spinal arthritis), which appear as
early as age four. The latter is caused by degeneration of the intervertebral
discs and leads to fusion of the adjacent vertebrae. This disease has been
observed at all levels of the spine in rabbits. If it occurs at the thoracic
or lumbar level, the rabbit will move less and with more difficulty, groom
itself less, and the perianal region may become soiled with urine and feces.
At the tail level, it should not cause problems. Sometimes,
the issue of fused vertebrae appears suddenly in rabbits after the
introduction of a new buck. If the problem regularly occurs among the
offspring, this trait is inherited.
Flemish giant
rabbit with fused vertebra in the tail Acknowledgement Many thanks
to Philippe Ginfray of France for his pictures. |
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