Type IV dermoid sinus, intramedullary dermoid cyst and spina bifida in a Cane Corso

Open spina bifida characterisation in a dog foetus

BACKGROUND

Open spina bifida is an uncommon malformation in animals, and there is a lack of imaging, clinical, and pathological characterisation of this condition in dogs.

OBJECTIVE

Open spina bifida is rarely observed in animals due to high levels of perinatal mortality and frequent euthanasia. To the best of our knowledge, we present the first case of spina bifida in a dog was diagnosed in-utero and then followed post-partum.

METHODS

A 3-year-old Poodle was presented with twin pregnancy. Radiographic and ultrasonographic findings were suggestive of vertebral malformation and open spina bifida with myelomeningocele in one foetus. Conservative treatment was given but the puppy died 3 days after birth. Thereafter, anatomical and histopathological analysis of several organs was performed to characterise the disease.

RESULTS

When the twins were born, one puppy had a linear dorsal midline cutaneous defect extending from the level of vertebrae L2-L6. R Radiographic examination showed several congenital vertebral malformations involving the thoracic segment, lumbar segment, sacrum and scapula. Histopathological examinations confirmed the presence of open spina bifida and identified additional abnormalities in several internal organs.

CONCLUSIONS

This case presents a complete characterisation of open spina bifida, before birth and after death, using imaging and histopathology techniques.

Case Report: Surgical Treatment of Type IV Spinal Dermoid Sinus in a Shiba Inu

A 2-year-old spayed female Shiba Inu was presented with progressive non-ambulatory bilateral paraparesis, back pain, and urinary incontinence. CT and MRI revealed multiple vertebral malformations and type IV dermoid sinus. Hemilaminectomy was performed in T1–T5 to remove the dermoid sinus and granulomatous lesion that infiltrated into the spinal cord parenchyma. Histopathological examination of the excised tissue revealed type IV dermoid sinus with granulomatous meningomyelitis. After surgery, back pain was resolved, and the dog recovered ambulation and voluntary urination at the time of follow-up 4 months after surgery.