Cervical meningomyelocele associated with spina bifida in a hydrocephalic miniature colt.

This study reports a rare occurrence of a newborn miniature colt presenting with three congenital abnormalities – cervical meningomyelocele, spina bifida, and hydrocephalus. The colt was unable to stand and had a cyst-like mass on the lower part of the back of its neck. After detailed examination and imaging techniques, these three conditions were confirmed.

Background and Presentation of the Case

• The subject of this research was a newborn miniature colt that was born with a set of uncommon congenital abnormalities – cervical meningomyelocele, spina bifida, and hydrocephalus.
• At birth, the colt was unable to stand and showed a cyst-like mass protruding at the back of its neck, more specifically in the lower or caudal part of the dorsal cervical region.

Diagnosis and Findings

• Upon performing physical examinations and ultrasonographic imaging of the brain, it was discovered that the colt was suffering from hydrocephalus, which is a condition characterized by an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the brain’s cavities.
• Further radiographic evaluation of the vertebral column was carried out due to the presence of the cystic mass. The results revealed that the colt had spina bifida, particularly at C5-C6 vertebrae. Spina bifida is a birth defect where there is incomplete closing of the backbone and the membranes around the spinal cord.
• The fluid aspirated from the cervical mass resembled CSF. And after injecting iohexol, a contrast medium, into the mass for better imaging, a big bony defect was discovered. It was revealed that the spinal cord was herniating through this defect, throwing light on the presence of yet another condition – meningomyelocele. Meningomyelocele is a severe type of spina bifida, where the meninges (protective covering of the spinal cord) and spinal cord protrude out of the child’s back.

Conclusion

• This research study affirmed the presence of hydrocephalus, spina bifida, and meningomyelocele in the newborn miniature colt.
• These are interrelated congenital anomalies seen in various species. Due to this relationship, the appearance of a fluid-filled mass along the dorsal midline with neurological abnormalities should alert veterinarians to the possibility of a meningomyelocele, especially when other congenital anomalies are also present.