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Thoracic meningomyelocele associated with spina bifida in a Malinois dog
Author(s) -
Musso Clément,
Bismuth Camille,
Cauzinille Laurent
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
veterinary record case reports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.165
H-Index - 4
ISSN - 2052-6121
DOI - 10.1136/vetreccr-2019-000894
Subject(s) - medicine , spina bifida , ataxia , fistula , surgery , myelography , spinal cord , fecal incontinence , lesion , paraplegia , syringomyelia , hydrocephalus , trunk , intramedullary rod , urinary incontinence , neurological examination , anatomy , ecology , psychiatry , biology
An 8‐month‐old male Malinois dog was presented for progressive chronic pelvic limbs ataxia, paraparesis, arched back since ambulation associated with mild urinary and faecal incontinence. Clinical evaluation revealed a dorsocaudal thoracic spine non‐healing wound with a fistula from which a clear fluid leaked. Neurological examination was compatible with a T3‐L3 spinal cord lesion. CT myelography showed a T11‐T12 spina bifida associated with a meningomyelocele with a fistula tract to the skin (spina bifida aperta). An MRI revealed a syringohydromyelia cranially and caudally to the meningomyelocele. Surgical correction involved removal of the fistula up to the dura mater and closure. A 4 and 12 months clinical and MRI follow up revealed a good locomotion improvement with residual mild ataxia without incontinence. MRI showed no relapse of the meningomyelocele but persistent although reduced syringohydromyelia.