Spina Bifida in dogs

Spina Bifida in dogs can occur across many breeds, but most frequently presents in breeds with a corkscrew tail and those more commonly affected than others include the Chihuahua, French Bulldog, Collie, Doberman, Boston Terrier, Miniature Poodle and German Short Haired Pointer. Studies show the English Bulldog is also 3-times more likely to develop the condition than other breeds.

Most puppies in Australia that display symptoms are euthanised before diagnosis is made, but some lives are saved and rescue groups like Mini’s Bulldog Rescue have stepped in to give them a second chance at life, like we see in our story with Pepe the French Bulldog on Episode 1 of Series 7 of Pooches at Play.

As you will see from our story, Pepe is loving life to the full and is now zipping around in a wheelchair, testament that this condition should not be a death sentence for a puppy.

What causes Spina Bifida in dogs?

Spina Bifida in dogs occurs when the vertebrae, that should normally protect the spinal cord is prevented from closing properly, leaving a gap that exposes the spinal cord. It can range from no to mild symptoms through to full paralysis of their lower body.

While it can’t be cured, in some cases surgery can make your pet more comfortable. Not a lot of Vets come across Spina Bifida in dogs, given so many are euthanised so early in their life, so you may need to seek out a specialist if you notice any symptoms in a puppy or your vet does suspect it.

Signs of Spina Bifida in dogs

Dogs who have Spina Bifida will often begin displaying symptoms from 4 weeks of age, and the condition is usually diagnosed by a vet when a puppy presents with incontinence, hind leg weakness or paralysis. X-rays of your puppy’s spine will be required to form a diagnosis.

Signs and symptoms of Spina Bifida in dogs include:

• A dip in the back close to the tail know as a Sacral dimple.
• Incontinence of both urine and faeces.
• Poor range of motion in the hind legs from dragging feet to complete paralysis
• Lack of feeling in their lower back, tail legs and other coordination issues.

There isn’t a lot of research into the causes of Spina Bifida in dogs, but from what has been done it points to environmental factors form when the pup is in utero, and the mother dog is exposed to or encounters certain situations, which can lead to her puppies to develop spinal cord malformations such as toxin exposure, utero stress and nutritional imbalances during pregnancy.

As always, it’s important to research and ask for as much information and vet history from a breeder as possible, Particularly, if you are looking at some of those breeds most affected, ask about any previous cases in litters.

Dogs with Spina Bifida can also suffer from other complications. They are usually incontinent, so you will need to keep on top of hygiene as they can be prone to Urinary tract infections, skin infections and rashes around the area.

As they often are moving around their back legs, they can sustain a lot of injuries from cuts to hurting limbs and nails as they drag them around. That’s why little Pepe was given a wheelchair through Mini’s Bulldog Rescue, so he can run around as much as he likes without hurting those little back legs of his.

They can also have soft stools which can develop into anal prolapse, so definitely keep a close eye on this and take them to the vet as soon as you notice constant softness as they may need surgery to assist.

Research breeders before buying a puppy

If you are considering a puppy of any breed, always research them thoroughly, ensure you can see the parents and where the puppies live, ask for relevant DNA and health screening relevant to the breed and common diseases they are prone to, and that the breeder is registered with the Australian National Kennel Council, which you can check with them and through Dogz Online. https://www.dogzonline.com.au/

If you’d like to donate to the work of Mini’s Bulldog Rescue, so they can help more dogs like Pepe have a second chance at life, visit Minisbulldogrescue.com

And to learn more about the work of the PETspiration Foundation that is supporting the work of rescue groups across Australia visit their website.

Lara Shannon is a certified dog behaviourist and trainer, pet food nutrition specialist, Executive Producer and Host of Pooches at Play on Channel 10 and editor of Poochesatplay.com. Lara also runs her own dog training business in Melbourne’s Bayside area and is the Author of World of Dogs and Eat, Play, Love (Your Dog).