Vet Guide 2025: Spina Bifida in Dogs and Cats – Signs, Diagnosis & Quality of Life 🦴🧠

Hello pet parents! I’m Dr Duncan Houston, and today we're exploring spina bifida in dogs and cats. This comprehensive 2025 guide will help you understand its development, what to watch for, advanced diagnostics, treatment options, and how to support your pet long‑term.

What Is Spina Bifida?

Spina bifida is a congenital spinal defect where part of the spinal column fails to fully form during fetal development. This defect may involve just the vertebrae (occulta) or include the spinal cord and meninges (manifesta), creating noticeable neurological issues.

How Does It Develop?

During pregnancy, the neural tube should close to form the spinal column. In some pups and kittens—especially breeds like English Bulldogs and Manx cats—a portion fails to close properly. When only the bone is affected, animals are often asymptomatic. However, in manifesta cases, the spinal cord and meninges may protrude or attach abnormally, causing paralysis, pain, and incontinence due to tethered cord syndrome.

Breeds & Risk Factors

Spina bifida occurs most commonly in:

• English Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers: prone to bony vertebral malformations.
• Manx cats: tail‑shortening linked to neural tube defects.

It’s rare but can occur in any breed. Risk factors may include genetic predisposition, inbreeding, environmental toxins, or maternal nutritional problems during pregnancy.

Signs & Symptoms

The signs vary depending on severity:

• Occulta (mild): often no symptoms; discovered incidentally on X‑ray.
• Manifesta: visible flap or sac near spine, especially in lumbar/sacral area.
• Neurologic issues: hind‑limb weakness or paralysis.
• Incontinence: loss of bladder/bowel control leads to frequent infections and hygiene complications.
• Pain and spinal cord tethering: worsened by movement as the animal grows.

Diagnosing Spina Bifida

Veterinarians use multi-modal imaging:

• X‑rays: detect missing vertebral arches, but limited for spinal cord involvement.
• Myelography (X‑ray with dye): shows spinal cord and nerve impingement.
• CT scan: offers better bone structure detail.
• MRI (gold standard): best imaging for spinal cord and neural tissue involvement.

All imaging requires sedation or anesthesia to ensure clarity and safety.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on severity:

• Asymptomatic Occulta: no treatment needed. Monitor for any new symptoms.
• Mild Manifesta: supportive care can manage symptoms.
• Surgical candidates: reconstructive surgery is sometimes possible — removing cysts or closing spinal defects, and freeing tethered spinal cord.

Supportive & Adjunctive Care

• Bladder and bowel management: manual expression, diapers, hygiene barriers.
• Skin care: frequent baths, barrier spray, padded beds, and pressure sore prevention.
• Physical therapy: helps maintain mobility and strengthen muscles.
• Mobility aids: pet wheelchairs and braces tailored to your pet’s anatomy.
• Pain control: NSAIDs and other medications as needed.
• Diet and nutrition: high‑quality diets to support overall health.

When is Surgery Appropriate?

You should consider referral to a neurosurgeon if:

• The defect involves meninges or tethered spinal cord
• There’s progressive neurologic decline or pain
• There’s accessible vertebral defect amenable to correction

Outcomes vary; surgery is more successful in localized, early-diagnosed cases. Severe neurologic compromise may not be reversible.

Prognosis & Ongoing Quality of Life

Prognosis depends on type and severity:

• Occulta, no symptoms: excellent outlook.
• Mild manifesta: variable—many can live full quality lives with supportive care.
• Severe manifesta: neurologic deficits and incontinence may prompt quality-of-life decisions.

Early diagnosis, consistent care, grooming, UTIs prevention, and physical therapy can significantly improve life quality. Wheelchairs and mobility aids offer renewed freedom for many pets.

Prevention

There’s no confirmed single cause—but to help prevent spina bifida:

• Don’t breed affected animals: essential step if spina bifida is diagnosed.
• Follow balanced nutrition during pregnancy.
• Avoid exposure to teratogens: medications or toxins during pregnancy.

Sharing the Journey

Although challenging, caring for a pet with mild spina bifida can be deeply rewarding. Pet wheelchairs, conscientious hygiene, consistent veterinary guidance, and holistic care like physical therapy can help your animal thrive and enhance your bond.

Takeaway Messages

• Spina bifida is congenital; severity varies from asymptomatic to severe neurologic impairment.
• Imaging (especially MRI) is critical for accurate diagnosis.
• Treatment ranges from observation to surgery and lifelong supportive care.
• Prognosis hinges on defect type, neurologic involvement, and care commitment.
• Preventing breeding of affected animals is the best safeguard.

Next Steps

• Discuss imaging options with your veterinarian.
• Consult a neurologist or specialist if your pet shows neurologic signs.
• Assess your capacity to provide ongoing care and consider mobility solutions.
• Connect with community groups and resources—having support helps.

About the Author 🩺

Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc is a board‑certified veterinarian with extensive expertise in neurology and caring for pets with congenital conditions.