What Is Spinal Dysraphism? (SD)
Spinal Dysraphism (SD) is present at birth and is an inherited condition that is co-dominant. Both parents pass the defective gene onto the puppies. The disease will become apparent between four and six weeks of age when puppies begin walking. The puppies will have an awkward gait or will bunny hop in the hind end. This is a non-progressive disease and most dogs diagnosed are able to live fairly normal lives.
Spinal Dysraphism is usually an inherited disease where each parent must pass on a copy of the defective gene in order for the puppies to be affected.
Spinal Dysraphism is when there is faulty embryonic development and the spinal canal has defects. These defects will lead to neurological abnormalities. There is a genetic test for spinal dysraphism in Weimaraners, which is the breed where this disease is most prevalent.
Spinal Dysraphism occurs as a result of pre-natal development that is abnormal and malformations of the spinal cord occur. Lesions in the spinal column form and are most severe in the lumbar or lower back region. Spinal Dysraphism is most prevalent in Weimaraners but can also occur sporadically in Dalmatians, Rottweilers, West Highland White Terriers, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers and Alaskan Malamutes.
Symptoms of Spinal Dysraphism in Dogs
Symptoms of Spinal Dysraphism will usually become noticeable when puppies become mobile; generally between four and six weeks of age. People who are familiar with the breed may be able to see abnormal spinal reflexes in newborn puppies. If you notice your puppy exhibiting any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian for an appointment.
- Abnormal spinal reflexes
- Symmetrical bunny hopping gait
- Wide legged stance
- Overextended pelvic limbs
- Depressed proprioception
- Scoliosis
- Abnormal hair streams in the dorsal neck area
- Koilosternia or a gutter-like depression in the chest
Diagnosis of Spinal Dysraphism in Dogs
Your veterinarian will begin by performing a full examination of your dog or puppy. They will also need your dog’s medical history and what symptoms you have seen. Your veterinarian will begin by ruling out other possible causes for your dog’s symptoms.
Your veterinarian may decide to draw a sample of cerebrospinal fluid for analysis. X-rays will also be needed to find any vertebral malformations. A CT scan and/or MRI may also be ordered for your veterinarian to see the spine and any lesions in more detail.
Once Spinal Dysraphism has been diagnosed, your veterinarian will discuss treatment options. There is no universal treatment for SD. Most dogs that are diagnosed with this disease are able to live a fairly normal life, with some limitations. Your veterinarian will be able to help you decide what life changes will need to take place for your dog to be comfortable and able to adapt to their disability.
Since this disease is non-progressive as your dog ages, the symptoms should not worsen. In some rare cases where the disease is so severe that your dog is unable to live without pain or is paralyzed, euthanasia is recommended.
Recovery of Spinal Dysraphism in Dogs
Responsible breeders will do the DNA testing for Spinal Dysraphism and not breed dogs that are Carriers or are Affected. Dogs that are Carriers or Affected should be sterilized and never used as a breeding animal. This is especially true for Weimaraners who have a higher risk of developing Spinal Dysraphism.
When your dog is diagnosed with Spinal Dysraphism, talk with your veterinarian about what limitations your dog will experience. Also, ask about any medications that can be given as your dog ages and begins to experience arthritic changes that can cause more problems for them.
* If a Spinal Dysraphiam Carrier is bred to a dog/bitch that is Clear of the disease, approximately 50% of the offspring will still be Carriers.
With this in mind, breeding with Carriers can very quickly produce many more within a few generations.
This can greatly reduce the amount of SD Clear dogs and bitches that can be used for breeding in the future.
Because of the reasons explained above, Breeders must be vigilant and test for SD in breeding stock before they are bred.
(Information taken from Wag Walking Laboratories)
Contact Details
Amanda WilliamsonWodonga Region, VIC, Australia
Phone : 0418711392
Email : [email protected]