Neural tube defects in four Shetland sheepdog puppies: clinical characterisation and computed tomography investigation

Background Here, we report on the occurrence of neural tube defects (NTDs) in four related Shetland sheepdog puppies. NTDs present as a range of congenital malformations affecting the spine, skull and associated structures. Despite the severity of these malformations and their relatively high preval...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Australian veterinary journal 2020-07, Vol.98 (7), p.312-318
Main Authors: Thomas, ZM, Podadera, JM, Donahoe, SL, Foo, TSY, Weerakoon, L, Mazrier, H
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Anencephaly
canine
Computed tomography
Congenital defects
cranioschisis
Encephalocele
Hydrocephalus
Investigations
Necropsy
Neonates
neural tube defect (NTD)
Neural tube defects
Neuroimaging
Spina bifida
Spine
Tomography
Vertebrae
Veterinary medicine
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Summary:Background Here, we report on the occurrence of neural tube defects (NTDs) in four related Shetland sheepdog puppies. NTDs present as a range of congenital malformations affecting the spine, skull and associated structures. Despite the severity of these malformations and their relatively high prevalence in humans, the aetiology is not well understood. It is even less well characterised in veterinary medicine. Case report Affected puppies were investigated using computed tomography (CT) and then necropsy. CT identified a range of brain and spine abnormalities in the affected animals, including caudal anencephaly, encephalocele, spina bifida and malformed vertebrae. Other observed abnormalities in these puppies, including cranioschisis, atresia ani and hydrocephalus, may be secondary to, or associated with, the primary NTDs identified. Conclusion This case report describes multiple related cases of NTDs in an Australian cohort of dogs. This study also highlights the potential of advanced imaging techniques in identifying congenital anomalies in stillborn and neonatal puppies. Further research is required to investigate the aetiology of NTDs in this group of affected Shetland sheepdogs.
ISSN:0005-0423
1751-0813
DOI:10.1111/avj.12949