A preliminary investigation of the relationship between the “moment of resistance” of the canine spine, and the frequency of traumatic vertebral lesions at different spinal levels

The aims of this work were to re-evaluate the moments of resistance (MoRs) of the vertebral column proposed by Slijper (1946) in the dog and to study the relationship between the MoRs and the frequency distribution of vertebral traumas in the same species. The spine (C2–L7) of four dogs was measured to obtain MoRs and subsequently scanned with a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometer (DXA). These findings were then analysed retrospectively the frequency distribution of canine vertebral fractures and luxations, diagnosed radiographically at a referral practice. The highest percentage of vertebral injuries affected the T9–L7 tract. This study confirmed that this segment was characterized by a rising trend of the MoR curves and presumably bore the major bending forces. The significant correlation between T9–L1 MoRs and DXA values supports the Slijper’s hypothesis suggesting the posterior thoracic region as the weakest segment of the body-axis.