Disorder - Tail, stump

Organ Systems Involved
Musculoskeletal

Alternative disorders described within LIDA

Sacral dysgenesis; Sacro-coccygeal agenesis; Taillessness; Spina bifida

Alternative Names
Stump tail; Sacro-coccygeal dysgenesis; Short tail; 'Stumpy'

Presenting Signs

Stump tail is a genetic condition causing some tail bones (vertebrae) to fail in their development. Vertebrae are the bones that enclose the delicate spinal cord along its entire length, and extend beyond its end. The number of vertebrae that do form in affected cats is variable; therefore the resulting length of the tail is also variable. Cats with stump tail have either a significantly shortened and rounded tail or appear to have almost no tail at all. Most commonly, stump tails retain some degree of normal tail mobility. Affected cats may be smaller than normal for their age.

There may be associated abnormal development of the pelvis and spine. If the pelvis and spine fail to develop normally a cat may display difficulty in walking and moving, especially in the hind limbs. The spine may be abnormally curved.

Breeds Affected
Manx


PubMed References
Tail, stump

Contributor
Natalie Burke