Disorder - Spina bifida with raduschisis

Organ Systems Involved
Musculoskeletal

Alternative disorders described within LIDA

Hindlimb paralysis; Sacral dysgenesis; Sacro-coccygeal agenesis; Spina bifida; Spina bifida occulta; Spinal dysplasia; Tail, stump; Taillessness; Vertebral anomalies

Alternative Names
Spina bifida with rachischisis; Spina bifida with myelocele; Spina bifida with myeloschisis; Spinal dysraphism

Presenting Signs

Spina bifida is a condition in which the bones of the spine (vertebrae) do not fully develop before birth to completely enclose the end of the spinal cord. In raduschisis, the spinal cord fails to develop properly in the embryo. The muscle, fat and skin over the bone defect also do not form normally, resulting in a hole in the newborn kitten’s back that goes through to the spinal cord. Fluid from the spinal cord may drain through this hole. The failure of the spinal cord to develop and its exposure to the external environment results in neurologic abnormalities in the hindquarters. These may include incoordination, paralysis and poor control of urination and defecation.

Cats at Risk

Characteristics within a breed that predispose to spina bifida with raduschisis have not been identified.

Breeds Affected
Manx
Siamese


Contributor
Adrian Anderson