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
Variable – may progress over time
Clinical Signs:
*Clinical signs depend on the location of the lesion (Shih Tzu's have primarily been reported with cervical vertebral malformations)
Posture and Appearance
Cervical scoliosis
Movement
Ataxia
Cervical torticollis
Hypermetria
Hyperreflexia
Paresis
Tetraparesis (ambulatory and non-ambulatory)
Proprioception
Proprioceptive deficits
Spinal Reflexes
Hyperreflexive or absent spinal reflexes
Special Functions (e.g. respiration; urination)
Fecal incontinence
Urinary incontinence
Painful Reactions
Cervical hyperesthesia
*Clinical signs depend on the location of the lesion (Shih Tzu's have primarily been reported with cervical vertebral malformations)
Posture and Appearance
Cervical scoliosis
Movement
Ataxia
Cervical torticollis
Hypermetria
Hyperreflexia
Paresis
Tetraparesis (ambulatory and non-ambulatory)
Proprioception
Proprioceptive deficits
Spinal Reflexes
Hyperreflexive or absent spinal reflexes
Special Functions (e.g. respiration; urination)
Fecal incontinence
Urinary incontinence
Painful Reactions
Cervical hyperesthesia
Spinal cord - variable
Unknown
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