Type I and type IV dermoid sinus with associated cervical spina bifida in a Labrador Retriever mixed breed dog

A 6-month-old female Labrador Retriever mix rescued by a local shelter developed respiratory distress and later became tetraplegic. After transferring to a specialty centre, diagnostic imaging (CT and MRI) revealed spina bifida at C3 and dermoid sinuses at the level of C3 and T1. Surgery was performed to remove the dermoid sinuses. The dog was placed on broad-spectrum antibiotics and a tapering anti-inflammatory dose of prednisone, postoperatively. Independent ambulation was regained within 14 days with no recurrence of neurologic clinical signs.