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She shared with us her extensive knowledge of Spina Bifida and how to improve your dog's overall quality of life.
What is Spina Bifida in Dogs?
Spina Bifida is a congenital defect of the spinal cord in dogs. In a healthy dog the vertebrae of spinal column encase and protect the spinal cord. In Spina Bifida cases, a deformity in utero occurs that prevents the vertebrae from completely closing, leaving a gap and exposing the spina cord. This deformity is more commonly seen in the lower back, down near your dog’s tail, but it can occur anywhere along the spine.
It is worth noting that Spina Bifida is a rare abnormality, and that most puppies born in Australia that display symptoms are euthanised before an official diagnosis can be made. This means that your vet is likely to have not seen a dog with this condition before. If your puppy is displaying any symptoms mentioned in this blog, bring up and discuss the idea of Spina Bifida with your vet. This condition is not a death sentence, and can be managed!
I live and care for my own Bulldog Sophie who has this very condition. There is no research that indicates mild Spina Bifida cases decrease the life expectancy of your dog.
What causes Spina Bifida abnormalities in dogs?
There is limited research behind the exact causes of Spina Bifida in dogs. Veterinary research indicates a possible genetic link but it is not fully researched. If you are buying a puppy from a breeder, you can ask if there have been any past dogs in their litters or linage that have displayed the symptoms of the condition.
The most researched and believed cause for Spina Bifida formation is environmental factors. In utero, if the mother dog is exposed to or encounters certain situations, it may cause her puppies to develop spinal cord malformations. Factors such as environmental toxin exposure, utero stress and nutritional imbalances during pregnancy have been linked to the development of this condition. One or more puppies in a litter can be affected.
How is Spina Bifida diagnosed?
Dogs who have Spina Bifida will often begin displaying symptoms from 4 weeks of age, and the condition is usually diagnosed when a puppy is brought into the vet clinic with incontinence or hind leg weakness or paralysis. Your vet may conduct X-rays of your puppy’s spine to form a diagnosis. The X-rays will show a lack of vertebral arches or dorsal spinous processes. There can be one or more affected vertebrae pieces that have failed to fuse correctly.
If a diagnosis cannot be made from an X-ray scan, your vet may recommend a CT or MRI scan is conducted. This gives the vet or vet specialist a clearer image of the spine and can lead to a more effective diagnosis if the X-ray is unclear. In milder cases, spine deformities may not display on an X-ray very well.
Treatments
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| UC Davis Veterinary Institute for Regenerative Cures: trial participants Arthur & Slughorm |
There is no known quick fix for Spina Bifida that will cure your dog’s symptoms. This is a lifelong condition. Current trials in the United States at UC Davis are looking into stem cell therapies that can help restore mobility in more severely affected cases.
However, with the right tools, support and information you can manage your dog’s condition so they can live a long happy and healthy life!
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| English Bulldog Sophie is loving life, celebrating her birthday with dog mum Emily Martin |
What breeds are most commonly affected and why?
There is no definitive link connecting gender of the pet to the condition but there are more dominant dog breeds and also cat breeds that are more susceptible to developing Spina Bifida. Interesting fact, not only domestic dogs and cats have been seen to suffer the condition, it’s also been found present in cows and horses in veterinarian studies.
Spina Bifida most frequently presents in breeds with a corkscrew tail. Even in short nub tails there are still full vertebrae pieces that make up the spinal cord. The way the vertebrae of the tail twist and develop in stumpy tail breeds is thought to have a connection to the condition.
There is no definitive link connecting gender of the pet to the condition but there are more dominant dog breeds and also cat breeds that are more susceptible to developing Spina Bifida. Interesting fact, not only domestic dogs and cats have been seen to suffer the condition, it’s also been found present in cows and horses in veterinarian studies.
Spina Bifida most frequently presents in breeds with a corkscrew tail. Even in short nub tails there are still full vertebrae pieces that make up the spinal cord. The way the vertebrae of the tail twist and develop in stumpy tail breeds is thought to have a connection to the condition.
The most frequently observed breed to suffer from Spina Bifida is the English Bulldog. Studies show they are three times more likely to develop the condition than other breeds, however any dog breed can develop Spina Bifida.
In cats, the same statement is made, with the most common breed to develop the condition being the Manx, but this is not limited to other breeds also being diagnosed.
Other commonly affected dog breeds are:
✔️ Chihuahua
✔️ Collie
✔️ Doberman Pinscher
✔️ French Bulldog
✔️ Boston Terrier
✔️ German Shorthaired Pointer
Other commonly affected dog breeds are:
✔️ Chihuahua
✔️ Collie
✔️ Doberman Pinscher
✔️ French Bulldog
✔️ Boston Terrier
✔️ German Shorthaired Pointer
✔️ Miniature Poodle
Signs and Symptoms of Spina Bifida
Symptoms in dogs range from no visible signs or complications to complete paralysis and large open lesions on the back and spine. In most severe cases an open lesion on your puppies back will be present at birth and sometimes the spinal cord may be exposed through this open lesion. If the spinal cord is not exposed, the condition may not be picked up until they start to walk or display incontinence.
Symptoms and Signs to monitor for:
✔️ Sacral dimple. A dip in the back close to the tail. This can be seen by a different hair pattern or open lesion. In mild cases if you run your thumb along your dog’s spine, you may feel a slight dip near the tail.
✔️ Urine incontinence – dribbling urine or retaining urine in the bladder and requiring expressing
✔️ Faecal incontinence – passing faeces without knowledge and lack of anal tone
✔️ Poor range of motion in the hind legs from dragging feet to complete paralysis
✔️ Dragging the back legs
✔️ Lack of pain receptors in the lower back. Your puppy may not feel you patting their lower back, tail or hind legs
✔️ Hydrocephalus and coordination issues
Spina Bifida Severities and Types
Spina Bifida falls into different classifications of severity ranging from no symptoms through to full paralysis of the lower extremities. There are four main classifications but your vet or vet specialist will be able to provide you with more support in understanding your pets condition.
1) Occulta
This is the mildest form of Spina Bifida and may produce no signs or symptoms. Your pet may only be diagnosed with this form of Spina Bifida If you are getting x-rays on other parts of your pet’s body and your vet notices it on the images. They may have a small dimple on their spine, or no signs at all. You may never know your dog had this condition.
2) Closed neural tube defects
In this classification, your vet may notice spinal defects on your puppy’s X-ray or CT images. Often there are only mild and manageable symptoms. Your dog may have partial paralysis, dragging their feet or walking slightly wobbly, but they will still be able to walk. They may also have no issues with their mobility. Your puppy may also be showing bowel and urinary incontinence. Mild nerve damage may be present.
3) Meningocele
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| Credit: Veterinary Clinics of North America - Small Animal Practice |
In this type, the spinal cord has developed normally but the protective membranes around the spinal cord push up into the openings of the deformities in the bone of the vertebrae. Surgical options can be a possibility with this type of Spina Bifida to remove the membranes pushing through the bone. The same clinical symptoms present as closed neural tube defects.
4) Myelomeningocele
This is the most severe type of Spina Bifida. The spinal cord is often fully exposed, or there are multiple vertebrae that have deformities. Full paralysis of the lower limbs is often present and complete incontinence. There will also be a lack of sensation in the skin with nerve damage.
Puppies with this severity are usually born with their spinal cords exposed and are often euthanised. Swelling of the spine can lead to the development of hydrocephalus. This condition can be managed but it is lifelong and can present with various complications and ongoing medical costs. Rescue groups and specialist vets can offer great support in helping you decide on the path of care if your dog is diagnosed with this type of Spina Bifida.
5 Complications of Spina Bifida to monitor
When managing your pet’s incontinence, it is important to maintain good hygiene so they don’t develop UTIs. These may become unavoidable if your dog fails to completely empty their bladder and stale urine sits in the dog’s bladder causing irritation.
5 Complications of Spina Bifida to monitor
1) Urinary tract infections
If you notice your dog passing blood or dark urine or acting lethargic, book an appointment with your vet so they can test your dog’s urine. Antibiotics can be used to treat UTIs. Use of supplements like cranberry, D-mannose and making sure your pet is drinking adequate water can be used to support good bladder health. Talk to your vet or a pet nutritionist about managing your pets’ diet to help prevent UTIs.
2) Skin infections and rashes
It’s important to maintain good grooming and skin hygiene when caring for a pet that has incontinence so they don’t develop rashes. Ammonia burn on the skin (see images here), and rashes from diarrhoea can develop on the skin.
2) Skin infections and rashes
It’s important to maintain good grooming and skin hygiene when caring for a pet that has incontinence so they don’t develop rashes. Ammonia burn on the skin (see images here), and rashes from diarrhoea can develop on the skin.
Maintain a good cleaning routine by changing nappies frequently, allowing your dog to have outside time without a nappy on, wiping between changes and providing baths as needed is important. You can read more about nappy care without FAP and CCC inflammation prevention tools. Using a zinc based nappy cream (like the Bella Maree Belly Cream, or a medicated cream from your vet) on any rashes can help support your dog’s care.
3) Lacerations and injury to the legs
Lack of feeling in the legs can cause you pet to sustain injuries without knowing. Keeping a close eye on your dog’s back legs is important if they have limited sensation. Also keep an eye out on their toes and back nails if they drag their feet as these can become worn down and bleed.
4) Anal prolapse
Due to lack of tone in the anus, if your dog is experiencing constant soft stools, they can develop an anal prolapse. Take your dog straight to the vet so that the anus can be put back in by the vet and also reduce any chance of an infection happening.
If this is a reoccurring issue as your dog progresses from puppyhood into adulthood, the vet may recommend surgery to tack the bowel into place or to shorten it.
5) Joint weakness
You might notice your dog developing joint weakness as they age and progress through puppy hood. Joint issues in the hips and knees, feet and front shoulders should all be monitored at regular vet visits. You can also incorporate supplements into your pet's diet to support healthy joints and your vet may suggest injections to support the joints such as Cartrophen.
Dundies® suggested management plan – Sophie’s Care
Always consult with your vet regarding managements of your dog’s care. A pet nutritionist can also support in diet advice and an animal rehabilitation specialist can support in care.
3) Lacerations and injury to the legs
Lack of feeling in the legs can cause you pet to sustain injuries without knowing. Keeping a close eye on your dog’s back legs is important if they have limited sensation. Also keep an eye out on their toes and back nails if they drag their feet as these can become worn down and bleed.
4) Anal prolapse
Due to lack of tone in the anus, if your dog is experiencing constant soft stools, they can develop an anal prolapse. Take your dog straight to the vet so that the anus can be put back in by the vet and also reduce any chance of an infection happening.
If this is a reoccurring issue as your dog progresses from puppyhood into adulthood, the vet may recommend surgery to tack the bowel into place or to shorten it.
5) Joint weakness
You might notice your dog developing joint weakness as they age and progress through puppy hood. Joint issues in the hips and knees, feet and front shoulders should all be monitored at regular vet visits. You can also incorporate supplements into your pet's diet to support healthy joints and your vet may suggest injections to support the joints such as Cartrophen.
Dundies® suggested management plan – Sophie’s Care
Always consult with your vet regarding managements of your dog’s care. A pet nutritionist can also support in diet advice and an animal rehabilitation specialist can support in care.
Hygiene and Bedding (nappy changes and baths)
Managing the mess. To save your sanity as an owner and keep your dog and home fresh and clean it is a great idea to find a routine that works for you to manage their mess if they are incontinent.
Managing the mess. To save your sanity as an owner and keep your dog and home fresh and clean it is a great idea to find a routine that works for you to manage their mess if they are incontinent.
Make sure your dog has nappy free time. Sophie has a minimum of three hours outside of her nappy in the yard. This lets the skin breath and reduces any concerns with ammonia burn developing.
Dundies nappies are breathable so you pet’s skin can breathe while wearing them. No matter what brand you choose, always make sure the nappy is breathable. You can read more about this here.
Giving your pet a safe place to sleep is also important. You might prefer to give them a crate and crate train them. You can then line the crate with a bed that has a waterproof cover so any accidents are easily cleaned.
Our Dundies puppy pads are great to put on top of a bed as they are absorbent and also waterproof. Your dog can also wear a nappy when sleeping. Just make sure to give them a good clean when you change their bottom in the morning and allow them to have some nappy free time right after. If you are using nappies on your dog that is completely incontinent, you will go through a minimum of 4 per day. If your dog is having upset bowel motions you may need up to 10.
Expressing and monitoring of tummy and bowel
It’s important to make sure your dog can empty their bladder and bowel. Feel their stomach and balder area regularly and if you notice any distension, swelling or it feels very firm head to the vet. If you pet needs helping emptying their bladder and bowels your vet can help you learn how to express your pet.
It’s important to not over express your pet, particularly if they have loose stools and are already passing poop. Over expressing can cause trauma to the anus and lead to bleeding, bruising and prolapse.
Support
Find a good support group! Facebook groups including the Dundies VIP group are fantastic resources. If you are not sure or have questions, finding someone to ask can really help ease your stress in caring for your dog. Various rescue groups also specialise in the conditions and will more than happily provide you with tips and tricks.
Diet
Supplements and additional health supports can greatly improve your pet’s health.
Expressing and monitoring of tummy and bowel
It’s important to make sure your dog can empty their bladder and bowel. Feel their stomach and balder area regularly and if you notice any distension, swelling or it feels very firm head to the vet. If you pet needs helping emptying their bladder and bowels your vet can help you learn how to express your pet.
It’s important to not over express your pet, particularly if they have loose stools and are already passing poop. Over expressing can cause trauma to the anus and lead to bleeding, bruising and prolapse.
Support
Find a good support group! Facebook groups including the Dundies VIP group are fantastic resources. If you are not sure or have questions, finding someone to ask can really help ease your stress in caring for your dog. Various rescue groups also specialise in the conditions and will more than happily provide you with tips and tricks.
Diet
Supplements and additional health supports can greatly improve your pet’s health.
Discuss diet with a canine nutritionist or vet. Provide access to water and make sure your pet is drinking and limit treats. Stick to one protein e.g., chicken. When treating and if you notice your pet gets an upset stomach from this you can try a different one.
Exercise and joint support
Exercise and joint support
Exercise is important to help your pet maintain a happy healthy life. Provide them with short walks or try low-impact exercise like hydrotherapy.
Support Aid recommendations by Dundies
✔️ Walkin' Wheels Dog Wheelchairs
✔️ Bella Maree Natural Pet Products
✔️ Dundies pet nappies
✔️ Ramps
✔️ Pet Prams
✔️ Acupuncture, laser therapy and hydrotherapy
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| Sophie undertook sessions of acupuncture & hydrotherapy and received her own little pink wheelchair |
Taking care of her English Bulldog puppy Sophie, who was both urinary and bowel incontinent, she set to work on her sewing machine, designing and creating her first pair of reusable nappies and the rest is history! Dundies have a mission to reduce premature euthanasia rates for pets suffering from manageable illnesses.
Emily has been awarded with the Women in Business Awards, Young Business Woman of the Year 2020. A nominee of the Telstra best in business awards for 2021 and the Seven news young achiever awards 2022.
Emily previously studied as a student midwife and biomedical scientist.
Emily previously studied as a student midwife and biomedical scientist.
To learn more, visit www.dundies.com.au
You can find Dundies on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Dundieaus and Instagram at www.instagram.com/dundies_aus/
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