Are spinal deformities in ancient dogs related to weight bearing? The importance of fluctuating asymmetry

摘要

The article "A howl from the grave: Osteological analysis of 12th- to 15th-century dogs from Santa Ana, Manila, Philippines, International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, 2018" DOI:10.1002/oa.2644 discusses two vertebral abnormalities of ancient dogs: flattening of the tip and lateral deviation of the dorsal spinous process and considers possible causal use of dogs as beasts of burden. This idea also has been suggested in previous reports. We question this view and evaluate such spinal abnormalities in a modern veterinary context, using computerized tomography (CT)-scanned pet dogs that were not carrying weights or pulling travois or sledge. We show that identical asymmetries and anatomical variations occur in CT images of modern dogs that have not been carrying weights or pulling sledges or travois. We suggest that these features can be normal variants, expressing fluctuating asymmetry. We emphasize that health care settings provide the procedural mechanics and the means to evaluate and distinguish among diagnostic possibilities. We plead for increased collaboration among experienced veterinary specialists and zooarchaeologists when aberrations of ancient osteological structures are encountered. This cooperation will lead to more informed interpretations and avoid misdiagnosis and unrealistic lifestyle interpretations.