Animals With Scoliosis

Animals with Scoliosis

By Lindsay Wong

Just like humans, many animals have spines and are capable of exhibiting scoliosis, even house pets. Animals that have scoliosis are in no way inhibited in their movement or ability to live comfortably. They do not experience any pain or discomfort. The curved spine looks quite obvious on many animals, particularly those with four legs, but they have adapted and learned to live with it. Animals with severe scoliosis will have compromised organ functions due to the organs moving and shifting internally when the spine curves.

In snakes, scoliosis is presented in a very unusual and fascinating manner. The scoliosis has a helical structure. Giraffes with scoliosis may find themselves being bent or curving in the middle of their long necks, making it more difficult to move around. Rats with scoliosis present humps in their backs, similar to humans. They have always been popular animals used for research purposes because their genetic makeup is similar to human beings. Fish that have scoliosis curve inwards at the top. Horses with scoliosis have a ridge on their backs. It can be dangerous for people who ride horses with scoliosis because there is a high risk that the saddle will easily fall off. In some species, the presence of scoliosis is more obvious than others.

Source:

https://www.hudsonvalleyscoliosis.com/crooked-back/