Vertebral Malformation
This disease is characterized by vertebral malformations. Examples include block vertebrae, hemi-vertebrae, or butterfly vertebrae. Neurologic signs occur as a result of spinal cord compression secondary to abnormal vertebral morphology. Compression primarily occurs along the dorsal and lateral aspects of the spinal cord, but can occur anywhere.
Age of Onset: Any age can be affected
Sex Predisposition: Any sex of animal can be affected
Clinical Course:
Variable – may progress over time
Clinical signs are dependent on the location of the lesion along the vertebral column
Variable – may progress over time
Clinical signs are dependent on the location of the lesion along the vertebral column
Clinical Signs:
Posture and Appearance
Cervical scoliosis
Movement
Ataxia
Cervical torticollis
Hypermetria
Paresis
"bunny-hopping" gait
Proprioception
Proprioceptive deficits
Spinal Reflexes
Hyperreflexive or absent spinal reflexes
Special Functions (e.g. respiration; urination)
Fecal incontinence
Urinary incontinence
Painful Reactions
Pain on palpation of the affected region of the vertebral column
Posture and Appearance
Cervical scoliosis
Movement
Ataxia
Cervical torticollis
Hypermetria
Paresis
"bunny-hopping" gait
Proprioception
Proprioceptive deficits
Spinal Reflexes
Hyperreflexive or absent spinal reflexes
Special Functions (e.g. respiration; urination)
Fecal incontinence
Urinary incontinence
Painful Reactions
Pain on palpation of the affected region of the vertebral column
Spinal cord
Unknown
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