Species: Dog
Condition: Spina Bifida
Organ System: Respiratory
Spina bifida is a disorder caused by incorrect development of the spine while your pup is in the womb. Normally the spine should consist of the spinal cord which is composed of nervous tissue and cells crucial for movement and a series of small bones called vertebrae, which enclose and protect it. If your dog has spina bifida, then these vertebrae are badly formed. The impact of this can vary from effectively nothing, to severe mobility issues. In mild cases your dog may require no treatment and in moderate cases reconstructive surgery may help, however there is no effective treatment for severe cases.
Breeds exposed to Spina Bifida – Research Reference
Maltese Cross – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Finnish Spitz Cross – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Yorkshire Terrier Cross – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
West Highland White Terrier Cross – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Bichon Frise – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Finnish Spitz – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Maltese – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Samoyed – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
West Highland White Terrier – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Yorkshire Terrier – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Samoyed Cross – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Bichon Frise Cross – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Disease Author
Dr Merliza Cabriles, Professor of Veterinary Medicine
To learn more about Spina Bifida or any other condition we invite you to search this website. Even better, pick up the phone and call your vet. Your vet knows your pet better than anyone else and is a fountain of information.
This information is accurate as at May 2014 and is subject to change without notice.
For Petmed Pet Health Insurance – pre-existing condition exclusion applies. Annual Benefit Limits and excess amounts vary based on pet health insurance plans.
