Anatomy of the Canine Spine

Overview

• The canine spine is similar in structure to the human spine, providing support and protecting the spinal cord.
• The spine runs from the base of the head to the tail and is divided into five regions: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and caudal.
• Contains 7 cervical, 13 thoracic, 7 lumbar, 3 sacral vertebrae, with variable caudal vertebrae.

Canine Skull

Cranium

• Roof: Frontal and parietal bones.
• Floor: Sphenoid bone.
• Five orbital regions: Frontal, lacrimal, palatine, sphenoid, zygomatic.
• Orbit completed by the orbital ligament in carnivores.
• Lacrimal fossa channels tears into the nasal cavity.

Joints and Ligaments of the Skull

• Temporo-mandibular joint: Condylar joint with articular disc, enabling jaw movement.
• Mandibular symphysis: Joint mechanism in the skull.
• Hyoid apparatus: Includes tympanohyoid cartilage and synovial joints.

Cervical Spine

Cervical Vertebrae

• Comprised of 7 vertebrae.
• Atlas (C1): Supports the head, allows nodding motion.
• Axis (C2): Allows rotation, features dens.
• Nuchal ligament: Connects cervical to thoracic vertebrae.

Thoracic Vertebrae

• Each vertebrae articulates with corresponding rib.
• Anticlinal Vertebra (T11): Point of change in vertebral anatomic features.

Lumbar Spine

• Longer and more uniform than thoracic vertebrae.
• Allows limited flexion and extension; lateral flexion and rotation are restricted.

Ligaments of the Thoracolumbar Joint

• Dorsal longitudinal ligament: Prevents hyperflexion.
• Supraspinous ligament: Prevents excessive separation during flexion.
• Ventral longitudinal ligament: Prevents hyperextension.

Sacral and Caudal Vertebrae

• Sacrum: Fusion of sacral vertebrae, joins pelvic girdle.
• Caudal Vertebrae: Varies in number, supports the tail.

Muscles of the Cervical Spine

• Various muscles like Omotransversarius, Brachiocephalicus, Sternocephalicus contribute to head and neck movement.

Muscles of the Trunk

• Includes muscles like Lattisimus dorsi, Serratus ventralis, which support spinal and limb movements.

Physiotherapy and Management

• Conditions like Atlantoaxial instability, Spondylosis, Degenerative Myelopathy discussed.
• Management includes surgery, physiotherapy focused on strengthening, mobility exercises, and pain management.