Examination and registration with the OFA Spine Database

by Dr. Mikel Delgado, PhD

Some breeds of dogs are prone to spinal problems.  French Bulldogs, Bulldogs and Boston Terriers are sometimes born with defects of the spine due to their having short back legs and curled tails. These congenital conditions, thought to be genetic, can lead to pain, nerve dysfunction, or even paralysis.

The OFA is currently collecting information on vertebral anomalies which may be inherited. The database is being maintained in concert with the French Bulldog Club of America, with an invitation to owners of Boston Terriers and Bulldogs to contribute.

The anomalies that are assessed include:

• Hemivertebrae: one or more shortened or deformed vertebrae. The degree it impacts the dog depends on where and how severe the deformity is. If the spine is being compressed, there may be pain and weakness.
• Butterfly vertebrae: a deformity of the spine that leads to vertebrae with a cleft from a failure of fusion.
• Block vertebrae: when two or more vertebrae are fused together.
• Transitional vertebra: malformed vertebrae, found at locations where the vertebrae change shape (e.g., between the rib cage and lower back). Can lead to premature degeneration of the spine.
• Spina bifida: when the vertebrae fail to completely enclose the spinal cord. Can lead to incontinence, hind leg weakness and paralysis.

To enroll your dog in the database, x-rays with good detail of the entire spine (C1 through L7) from a lateral and ventrodorsal projection must be submitted.

How do I get my dog screened and registered with the OFA?

Step 1

Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. This can also be part of an annual examination and vaccine appointment. Download, print, and bring the OFA form to your appointment (found here). 

Step 2

The veterinarian will perform x-rays of your dog’s spine. Details about required positioning are outlined on the application form.

Step 3

Your veterinarian will assist you with completion of the OFA form. 

Once the application form is completed either you or your veterinarian will then submit the radiographs as detailed here.

Note: It is recommended that the permanent identification of the dog (e.g., tattoo, microchip) is verified by the veterinarian at the time of the evaluation.

Step 4

Once the application form is completed, the breeder will need to send the form and fee to OFA. An OFA Certified Radiologist will assess the radiographs.

Send to: Orthopedic Foundation for Animals 

2300 E Nifong Blvd, Columbia, MO 65201 

Phone (573) 442-0418 / Fax (573) 875-5073 / www.ofa.org

Fee schedule (as of July 2022)

Dogs 5 months or older: $20 each

References

De Rycke, L., & Saunders, J. (2017). Congenital anomalies of the vertebrae in dogs.Vlaams Diergeneeskundig Tijdschrift,86(2), 105-118.

Gutierrez‐Quintana, R., Guevar, J., Stalin, C., Faller, K., Yeamans, C., & Penderis, J. (2014). A proposed radiographic classification scheme for congenital thoracic vertebral malformations in brachycephalic “screw‐tailed” dog breeds.Veterinary Radiology & Ultrasound,55(6), 585-591.

Schlensker, E., & Distl, O. (2013). Prevalence, grading and genetics of hemivertebrae in dogs.Eur J Comp Anim Pract,23, 119-123.

Wilson, J. W., Kurtz, H. J., Leipold, H. W., & Lees, G. E. (1979). Spina bifida in the dog.Veterinary Pathology,16(2), 165-179.