Open spina bifida characterisation in a dog foetus

BackgroundOpen spina bifida is an uncommon malformation in animals, and there is a lack of imaging, clinical, and pathological characterisation of this condition in dogs.ObjectiveOpen 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.MethodsA 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.ResultsWhen 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.ConclusionsThis case presents a complete characterisation of open spina bifida, before birth and after death, using imaging and histopathology techniques. The current case reports an open spina bifida, in a Poodle puppy. Ultrasonography findings and radiographs of the dam during the third trimester identified two puppies, one with severe spina bifida. Postpartum, the affected puppy was confirmed to have undeveloped L2-L6 with paraplegia. Radiographs showed one pair of missing ribs and abnormally connected thoracic limb bones. Anatomical and histopathological analyses of several organs were performed to characterise the disease.image