Volume 76 (2026) Issue: 2026 No#2

Congenital vertebral malformations and their association with intervertebral disc disease in French Bulldogs: a retrospective computed tomography study

Author(s): Boris Dimitrievski, Ana Javor, Barbara Mratović, Petar Krolo, Hrvoje Capak, Martin Nikolovski, Dine Mitrov, Zoran Vrbanac

Keywords:computed tomography, congenital vertebral malformations; French Bulldog; hemivertebrae; intervertebral disc disease

Congenital vertebral malformations (CVM) are common in French Bulldogs and may contribute to neurological dysfunction and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). This retrospective study evaluated the prevalence, types, and distribution of CVM using computed tomography (CT) and assessed their association with IVDD and neurological signs. CT studies of the spine (C7–S1) from 62 French Bulldogs examined between February 2020 and February 2025 were reviewed. Dogs ranged from 1.7 to 12 years of age (mean ± SD, 5.0 ± 2.4 years), and 50 (80.6%) exhibited neurological signs. Congenital vertebral malformations were identified in 57 dogs (91.9%), with hemivertebrae present in all affected dogs, transitional vertebrae in 35.1%, and articular process dysplasia in 1.8%. Thoracic hemivertebrae were detected in all dogs with CVM, most frequently as multiple lesions (94.7%), often associated with angular spinal deviations, predominantly kyphoscoliosis. Intervertebral disc disease was diagnosed in 58 dogs (93.5%), most commonly lumbar or lumbosacral, and was multiple in 86.2% of cases. Most dogs with CVM also had IVDD (93.0%), whereas only five dogs had IVDD without CVM. Significant associations were found between CVM and neurological signs (χ² = 66.24, p < 0.05), CVM and IVDD (χ² = 113.85, p < 0.05), and IVDD and neurological signs (χ² = 128.58, p < 0.05). No significant associations were observed between sex, CVM type or number, and clinical signs. These findings demonstrate a high prevalence of CVM and IVDD in French Bulldogs and support the role of CT in comprehensive spinal assessment.