Neuroradiographic diagnosis and surgical repair of tethered cord syndrome in an English Bulldog with spina bifida and myeloschisis

A 3-month-old English Bulldog had excretory incontinence and sensory deficits in the distribution of pudendal nerves. Noncontrast radiography, myelography, and computed tomography revealed spina bifida beginning at L7, an expanded subarachnoid space caudal to L7, and a taut, thick filum terminale. Microsurgical exploration of the lumbosacral spine confirmed the presence of a tethered cord, and the filum terminale was transected. The spinal cord immediately migrated cranially about 1 cm. Although some sensory improvement was evident during a 2-week postoperative period, the dog was euthanatized. Postmortem examination confirmed spina bifida and atrophy of sacral nerve roots and perineal muscles, thoracic hemivertebrae, and hydrocephalus