Developmental Disorders of the Spine in Dogs

Spinal column and spinal cord development disorders in dogs are common, and certain breeds carry the genes for certain disorders. The prognosis varies widely depending on the type of disorder, and how severely the dog is affected. Many disorders have no cure and will worsen over time.

Any puppy or dog exhibiting difficulty walking, collapse, sudden weakness in the limbs, difficulty swallowing, difficulty breathing, or severe pain when trying to stand or walk should be evaluated by a veterinarian emergently.

Certain breeds are at higher risk for developmental spinal disorders. Some examples include Doberman Pinschers with Wobbler Syndrome and English Bulldogs with spina bifida.

Symptom severity varies widely based on the underlying disorder and the severity. Congenital vertebral malformations are very common, and many dogs with this disorder are asymptomatic or only mildly affected. Certain disorders such as degenerative myelopathy, Chiari-like malformation, and wobblers syndrome, may start out minimally or mildly asymptomatic and progress over time. Disorders like spina bifida and atlantoaxial subluxation tend to cause more severe symptoms.

Potential causes of spinal column and spinal cord developmental disorders are varied. The underlying cause is often unknown. Genetic defects inherited from the parents cause several types of spinal column and cord disorders. Changes during pregnancy such as nutritional deficiencies, some viral infections or some toxicities also have the potential to cause developmental disorders in puppies.

Common spinal cord or column disorders in dogs include

• Congenital vertebral malformations (Hemivertebrae, Block vertebrae, Butterfly/cleft vertebrae)
• Caudal cervical spondylomyelopathy (wobbler syndrome)
• Caudal articular hypoplasia
• Atlantoaxial subluxation
• Chiari-like malformation
• Syringomyelia and hydromyelia
• Spinal muscular atrophy
• Degenerative myelopathy
• Arachnoid diverticula
• Spinal dysraphism or myelodysplasia
• Spina bifida
• Sacrocaudal dysgenesis

Symptoms vary widely depending on the type of disorder and the degree to which the dog is affected. Many dogs are asymptomatic.

Diagnosis of spinal column and spinal cord developmental disorders in dogs is often difficult and requires physical examination, neurological examination, advanced imaging (x-rays, CT scan, MRI), and possibly genetic testing. Referral to a veterinary neurologist may be recommended.

Treatment varies widely depending on the condition and severity of symptoms. Treatment may include:

• Benign neglect (if patient is asymptomatic)
• Pain management
• Anti-inflammatories
• Surgery
• Physical therapy
• Anti-seizure medication

Several disorders have no treatment. Humane euthanasia is an important consideration for dogs with a poor quality of life and poor prognosis.

Given that these conditions are present from birth, they are life-long, unless surgical intervention is expected to help. Many of these conditions are progressive and worsen with age. Prognosis varies widely, ranging from good to extremely poor, depending on the underlying cause.

The underlying cause of many spinal column and cord disorders is never identified, so prevention is difficult. Removing affected individuals from breeding gene pools prevents genetic transmission. Genetic testing for breeding adults and avoiding breeding carrier adults for certain conditions is also beneficial.

Yes, with certain disorders being much more common than others.

Treatment varies widely depending on the condition and severity of symptoms. Treatment may include:

• Benign neglect (if patient is asymptomatic)
• Pain management
• Anti-inflammatories
• Surgery
• Physical therapy
• Anti-seizure medication

Several disorders have no treatment. Humane euthanasia is an important consideration for dogs with a poor quality of life and poor prognosis.