Split Cord Malformation in a Thoroughbred Horse.

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Neurology
• Equine Medicine
• Congenital Malformations

Background:

• Sudden onset lameness and neurological deficits in horses can indicate serious underlying conditions.
• Thoroughbred geldings are common in athletic disciplines, making them susceptible to various injuries and conditions.

Observation:

• A 9-year-old Thoroughbred gelding presented with acute right forelimb lameness, lateral recumbency, and pain post-training.
• Clinical signs initially improved but progressed to severe ataxia, paraplegia, Schiff-Sherrington phenomenon, and risus sardonicus.
• Necropsy revealed a partial duplication of the cervical spinal cord, identified as split spinal cord malformation type II or diplomyelia.

Findings:

• The equine patient exhibited a rare congenital spinal cord anomaly: diplomyelia.
• The neurological presentation, including ataxia and paraplegia, was severe and acute.
• The direct correlation between the identified malformation and the acute clinical signs was not definitively established.

Implications:

• This case highlights the importance of considering congenital spinal malformations in equine neurological presentations.
• Further research is needed to understand the clinical significance and progression of diplomyelia in horses.
• Accurate diagnosis and understanding of such conditions are crucial for prognosis and management in veterinary neurology.