Hi Sylvia,
This sounds like a condition that I have seen in a few horses, in which
a 'flowing' synostosis fuses parts or all of the zygapophyses, the
transverse processes, and the ventral aspect of the centrum. Until
proven otherwise, I take it to be a skeletal reaction to abnormal
dorsal-ventral loading of this part of the spine (i.e. fusing vertebrae
to minimise the abnormal flexion thus minimising soft-tissue damage) and
therefore an acquired pathology. However, if anyone out there has a
better idea, let's have it!
Terry
Sylvia Warman wrote:
>
> Dear All,
>
> I have a specimen which comprises the three most caudal of the lumbar
> vertebra from a horse. The caudal most 2 are almost completely fused
> together along the transverse processes and the vertebral bodies are mostly
> fused as well. The most cranial vertebra has lost its transverse processes
> (mechanical damage) but is joined to the lower one by an area of extra bone.
> (This has snapped during excavation) revealing a porous area of spongey bone
> on the right side of the ventral surface. The surface of this area of extra
> bone is as smooth as the surronding anatomically normal bone.
>
> My question is are these features likely to be congenital or aquired during
> life.
>
> Any suggestions?
>
> Sylvia
>
> Sylvia Warman
> 20A Moyser Road
> Streatham
> London
> SW16 6SA
>
> 0208 677 4871
> 07796956577
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>
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