Ever heard of Klippel Feil syndrome?

Cervical vertebral malformations in 9 dogs: radiological findings, treatment options and outcomes

Ricardo Fernandes, Noel Fitzpatrick, Clare Rusbridge, Jeremy Rose & Colin J. Driver

Background
Cervical vertebral malformations (CVM) are rare in dogs, excluding conditions like atlantoaxial instability and cervical spondylomyelopathy. This study aimed to characterize the clinical, radiological, and surgical findings in dogs with CVM and evaluate treatment outcomes.

Methods
A retrospective study was conducted on nine dogs with cervical myelopathy secondary to vertebral malformations at a referral center (2009–2018). Clinical signs, diagnostic imaging (MRI, CT, radiographs), treatment approaches, and outcomes were analyzed. Cases included atlantoaxial pseudoarthrosis, Klippel-Feil-like syndrome, congenital vertebral fusions, and cervical canal stenosis.

Results

-Clinical Presentation: The most common signs were tetraparesis, proprioceptive deficits, cervical hyperesthesia, and scoliosis.

-Imaging Findings: Atlantoaxial pseudoarthrosis and congenital anomalies, including fused vertebrae and canal stenosis, were identified using advanced imaging techniques.

-Treatment Outcomes: Seven dogs underwent surgery, primarily ventral stabilization or decompression. Medium-term improvement was noted in most cases, though some required revision surgery due to implant failure or progressive disease. Klippel-Feil-like syndrome was managed conservatively with positive outcomes.

-Long-term Findings: Relapses were often linked to intervertebral disc disease adjacent to fused segments.

Limitations
This study's retrospective nature and small, heterogeneous sample size limit generalizability. Follow-up was inconsistent, with variations in imaging protocols and postoperative assessments.

Conclusions
CVM in dogs is underdiagnosed but can cause significant neurological deficits. While surgical stabilization offers positive outcomes, conservative management may suffice for certain conditions like Klippel-Feil-like syndrome. Early diagnosis and comprehensive imaging, including dynamic studies, are critical for optimizing treatment strategies. Further multicenter studies are recommended to refine diagnostic and surgical protocols

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