Congenital Spinal Malformations in Canine Patients

Congenital spinal malformations represent a spectrum of vertebral and meningeal anomalies that arise during embryonic or fetal development in dogs. These defects range from wedge-shaped or hemivertebrae producing abnormal curvature, to dysplasia of articular processes and fibrotic changes in the meningeal layers. Clinically, affected animals may present with ataxia, paresis, incontinence or pain, depending on lesion location and severity. Small-breed and brachycephalic dogs, notably Pugs, French Bulldogs and English Bulldogs, are disproportionately represented, suggesting a strong genetic predisposition in screw-tailed and chondrodystrophic lineages. Advanced imaging modalities such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging have revolutionised diagnosis, allowing precise characterisation of spinal curvature, canal stenosis and soft-tissue lesions. Surgical intervention—ranging from decompression to vertebral stabilisation—has shown promise in restoring function and alleviating clinical signs. Ongoing research aims to elucidate molecular pathways of vertebral segmentation and to refine genetic screening tools, with the goal of reducing disease incidence through informed breeding practices and early therapeutic intervention.

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Congenital Spinal Malformations in Canine Patients publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in congenital spinal malformations in canine patients across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Hemivertebra: A vertebral anomaly in which only one side of a vertebral body forms, leading to a wedge shape and potential curvature of the spine.

Cobb angle: A radiographic measure of spinal curvature, calculated between the end plates of the most tilted vertebrae above and below a malformation, used to quantify kyphosis or scoliosis.

Caudal articular process dysplasia: A developmental defect of the vertebral articulation surfaces, often resulting in instability and compression of the spinal cord.

Arachnoid diverticulum: A focal protrusion of the arachnoid membrane that can accumulate cerebrospinal fluid and compress the spinal cord.

Meningeal fibrosis: Thickening and scarring of the meningeal layers surrounding the spinal cord, potentially causing tethering and focal cord damage.

References

1. Computer-Assisted Radiographic Calculation of Spinal Curvature in Brachycephalic “Screw-Tailed” Dog Breeds with Congenital Thoracic Vertebral Malformations: Reliability and Clinical Evaluation. PLOS ONE (2014).
2. Magnetic resonance image findings in pug dogs with thoracolumbar myelopathy and concurrent caudal articular process dysplasia. BMC Veterinary Research (2019).
3. Comparison of signalment and computed tomography findings in French Bulldogs, Pugs, and English Bulldogs with and without clinical signs associated with thoracic hemivertebra. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine (2019).
4. Thoracolumbar meningeal fibrosis in pugs. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine (2020).