vet-Anatomy

Anatomy of the canine lumbar vertebrae and lumbosacral junction (CT)

This anatomical module of the atlas of veterinary radiological anatomy “vet-Anatomy” covers the lumbar vertebrae, lumbosacral joint, sacrum and caudal vertebrae of the dog on a Computed Tomography (CT) and on 3D images of the lumbar spine and pelvic girdle. 

CT images are available in 3 different planes (transverse, sagittal and dorsal) with two different contrasts (bones and soft tissues/mediastinum/vessels). Additional 3D anatomical images at the end are available, showing bones of lumbar vertebrae, sacrum, coxal bone and bones of the tail (caudal vertebrae). 

259 anatomical structures were labeled, including bone structures (lumbar, sacral and caudal vertebrae, ilium, ischium, pubis), joints, intervertebral disc and ligaments, muscles of the back, spinal nerves, spinal cord and its meninges (epidural space, spinal dura mater).  

This computed tomography without injection of iodinated contrast agent was performed on a healthy 7 years old Labrador Retriever by Dr. Susanne AEB Boroffka, dipl. ECVDI, PhD (Utrecht, Netherland).

3D rendered images (adapted from CT using Osirix Software), images displaying, anatomical labeling have been done by Dr. Antoine Micheau, Radiologist (Montpellier, France) and Dr. Denis Hoa, Radiologist (Montpellier, France).

Terms are labeled using the Latin terms defined in the Nomina Anatomica Veterinaria (fifth edition - 2012 by ICVGAN). Anatomical terms were translated from latin to english and french by Antoine Micheau - MD, Imaios. 

Note from authors about anatomical variations:

• Normal dog have usually 7 lumbar vertebrae and 3 sacral vertebrae. Unfortunately, the dog used for this anatomical module presented a vertebral transitional anomaly with only 6 free lumbar vertebrae. For educational purpose we decided to numerate lumbar vertebrae until 7 but if you have any question, don’t hesitate to contact us on Imaios Support.
• The 13^th right rib is a rudimentary rib.
• There is a partial fusion with ossification of the right sacroiliac joint
• The first caudal vertebra (Cd1) is partially fused with the last sacral vertebra (S3)

Anatomy of the canine lumbar spine (CT) - vet-Anatomy

Anatomy of the canine lumbar vertebrae and lumbosacral junction (CT)

Intervertebral disc - Dog (CT):

Dog - Vertebral column (CT): Lumbosacral vertebral junction, Sacrum [Sacral vertebrae], Sacral canal

Veterinary anatomy - Muscles of back

Lumbosacral spine - Dog: Anatomy atlas - 3D