Kvet Forum
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Definition: defect of the two halves of the vertebral arch, through which the spinal cord and meninges may or may not protrude.
Clinical features: severe posterior paresis is seen in this Friesian neonate. The red, raised, and circumscribed protuberance in the sacral region involves a myelomeningocele (protrusion of both cord and meninges). The congenital defect is due to an absence of the dorsal portion of the spine. Even if ataxia is not severe, affected calves are best culled due to the risk of ascending spinal infection.
Spina bifida with paresis (Friesian calf)
Clinical features: severe posterior paresis is seen in this Friesian neonate. The red, raised, and circumscribed protuberance in the sacral region involves a myelomeningocele (protrusion of both cord and meninges). The congenital defect is due to an absence of the dorsal portion of the spine. Even if ataxia is not severe, affected calves are best culled due to the risk of ascending spinal infection.
Spina bifida with paresis (Friesian calf)