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

Abstract

Case report Here we report on the occurrence of neural tube defects in four related Shetland sheepdog puppies. Neural tube defects 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. Affected puppies were investigated using computed tomography and then post-mortem examination. Computed tomography 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 neural tube defects identified. Conclusion This case report describes multiple related cases of neural tube defects 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 neural tube defects in this group of affected Shetland sheepdogs.