Spina Bifida
Spina bifida is a condition where vertebrae fail to close normally around the spinal cord, leading to motor and sensory problems in areas fed by affected nerves. The condition may be present without clinical signs or may be associated with neurological defects such as meningocele (protrusion of the meninges) or meningomyelocele (protrusion of the spinal cord and the meninges). Myelography is usually necessary to identify those animals with neural tube defect. Spina bifida may occur at any level of the vertebral column but is observed most often in the caudal lumbar or sacral spine. A meningocele or meningomyelocele may adhere to the skin producing a small dimple at the site of attachment. If the defect is open, spinal fluid may leak onto the skin and cause skin ulceration. Myeloschisis (cleft spinal cord resulting from failure of the neural folds to close normally in the formation of the neural tube), tethered spinal cord and hydrocephalus may also be associated with spina bifida.
Some defects are associated with specific breeds. For example, syringomyelia (a disease of the spinal cord in which there are many and extensive partial paralyses of various parts of the body) and spinal dysraphism (congenital defects of closure of one or more vertebral arches, which may be associated with malformations of the spinal cord, nerve roots, congenital fibrous bands, lipomas, and congenital cysts.) may cause gait problems in Weimaraner.
Breeds at Risk
There is a high incidence of spina bifida in the English Bulldog. Urinary and fecal incontinence is the most common reason for initial examination for the affected dogs.
The Manx cat breed suffers in particular from this problem because it is associated with taillessness.
References:
1. Small Animal Radiology and Ultrasonography. Ronald L. Burk, Daniel A. Feeney.
2. Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs & Cats By Richard H.
3. Small Animal Paediatric Medicine and Surgery. Giselle Hosgood, Johnny D. 'Hoskins, Jacqueline Davidson, Julie A. Smith.
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