Condition4 connections · 1 source
Spina Bifida
A congenital defect where the vertebrae fail to completely close around the spinal cord during embryonic development. It can range from asymptomatic bone defects to severe neurological impairments.
Key Facts
- It occurs when the neural tube fails to close completely during fetal development.
- The condition is relatively rare in dogs and cats but varies widely in severity.
- Genetic factors, maternal nutrition, and prenatal toxin exposure can contribute to its development.
- Inbreeding and selective breeding may increase the likelihood of this defect.