Disorder - Vertebral anomalies

Organ Systems Involved
Musculoskeletal

Alternative disorders described within LIDA

Hip dysplasia; Osteochondrodysplasia; Spina bifida; Taillessness

Alternative Names
Block vertebrae; Butterfly vertebrae; Feline multiple cartilaginous exostoses; Hemivertebrae; Spina bifida; Transitional vertebrae

Presenting Signs

There are many abnormalities that can develop in the bones that form the spine. It may be that part or all of a vertebra does not form, a part does not fuse correctly, one vertebra forms a combination of two different types or unusual pieces of bone protrude from a vertebra. Sometimes these have no effect on normal function and are only noticed when the animal is X-rayed. However, they may cause a range of problems which depend on where the abnormality is and how severe it is. They might make the spinal canal deformed, unstable or too narrow, which puts pressure on the spinal cord. The animal might have weak or paralysed legs and/or pain. The effect depends where on the spinal cord the pressure is. Veterinarians know where the pressure is based on how each of the legs is affected. Another thing you might see is cats with no tails. Tailless cats almost always have other problems. They might have weak back legs, or have problems with urination or defaecation. Many tailless cats die while developing in the uterus.

Cats at Risk

Cats with short or stumpy tails

Breeds Affected
Bengal
Birman
Burmese
Maine Coon
Manx
Persian
Russian
Scottish Fold (SH & LH)
Siamese
Turkish Van


Treatment

Surgical/None. For animals in which the spinal cord is being squashed, surgeons may attempt to remove parts of the abnormal vertebrae and stabilise the spine.

PubMed References
Vertebral anomalies

Contributor
Louise Baskind