Disorder - Spinal dysplasia

Organ Systems Involved
Musculoskeletal

Alternative disorders described within LIDA

Spina bifida; Dysraphism; Sacrococcygeal agenesis; Scoliosis

Alternative Names
Spinal agenesis; Spinal dysgenesis

Presenting Signs

Spinal dysplasia refers to abnormalities in the development of the spine (backbone) and/or spinal cord. A normal cat has seven cervical (neck), 13 thoracic (back including ribs), seven lumbar (lower back), three sacral (pelvic) and 18-23 coccygeal (tail) bones. Abnormalities can develop anywhere along these sections involving one or more bones.

Symptoms depend on how severe the abnormality involved is. The disorder can range from no obvious clinical signs to severe paralysis of one or both hind limbs. Common symptoms include an abnormal curvature of the spine, an underdeveloped pelvis, a shorter or absent tail, movement difficulties, constipation, and faecal and/or urinary incontinence. Movement difficulties include bunny hopping (moving both legs together when running), dragging of hind limbs, incoordination and lameness. Affected animals may either continue to worsen after birth or their condition may remain non-progressive.

Cats at Risk

There is a genetic predisposition of Manx cats towards spinal dysplasia or deformities, especially those that are completely tailless. A high proportion of true tailless Manx cats had symptoms that indicated a lack of control over hind limb movement. Manx cats with 'stumpy' tails on the other hand, did not exhibit such symptoms.

Breeds Affected
Bengal
Birman
Burmese
Maine Coon
Manx
Persian
Russian
Siamese
Turkish Van


PubMed References
Spinal dysplasia

Contributor
Bee Sze Koh