Chen Y, Su D, Sun X, Gui W. Open spina bifida characterisation in a dog foetus.
Vet Med Sci 2023;
9:2452-2457. [PMID:
37705413 PMCID:
PMC10650236 DOI:
10.1002/vms3.1266]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
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.
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