The abbreviation LTV is used in English, but we use the German form LÜW to avoid confusion.
LTV is the abbreviation for lumbosacral transitional vertebra and refers to the transition between the loin and the sacrum.

Affected animals show pain in the sacro-lumbar region when stretching the hip joints or bending the tail upwards.

In the case of a pronounced form of lumbosacral transitional vertebra, it can come to herniated discs or cauda equina.
For the dog, this means pain, possibly an operation and then rest afterwards.
The owner incurs costs for pain therapy, physiotherapy and, if necessary, surgery.

Dogs that are at least 50% German Shepherd must be tested for lumbosacral transitional vertebra to receive a breeding licence.

The appropriate image is already created during the HD X-ray, so you do not have to make an extra X-ray appointment.
The veterinarian only has to indicate on the form for the evaluation that the lumbosacral transitional vertebra should also be evaluated.

Type 0 – normal lumbosacral transition
Type 1 – failed fusion of the spinous processes of the first and second sacral vertebrae
Type 2 – symmetrical malformation of the transverse processes
Type 3 – differently shaped transverse processes, i.e. an asymmetrical lumbosacral transitional vertebra

The inheritance of lumbosacral transitional vertebra is not yet fully understood, but a hereditary factor cannot be ruled out.
Therefore, care must be taken to ensure that only healthy animals are used in breeding.

• Übergangswirbel bei der Zucht berücksichtigen
• LÜW – Bedeutung für die Gesundheit betroffener Hunde
• Übergangswirbel
• Lumbosakrale Übergangswirbel (LÜW)