Spinal arachnoid diverticula in Dogs

Category: Nervous System & Behavioral
Breeds documented: 3
Published sources: 4

Overview

Pockets of fluid can enlarge within the thin coverings around the spinal cord and press on it. This pressure can cause a gradually worsening, unsteady walk and weakness. Some dogs also lose control of urination or bowel movements. The pockets can occur in the neck or farther down the back, and their cause is not always known.

Signs to watch for

A wobbly, increasingly unsteady walk
Lifting the legs unusually high when walking
Weakness in the legs
Urine accidents
Loss of bowel control

Signs may start in puppies or older dogs and tend to worsen over time.

Emergency Go to an emergency vet now if your dog cannot walk.

Diagnosis and tests

MRI is commonly used to locate the fluid pocket and assess pressure on the spinal cord. A vet may also use myelography, an imaging test using contrast dye around the spinal cord. These scans can help identify other nearby spinal problems that may contribute to the signs.

Breeds with documented risk

3 breeds

By breed size

2 Small
1 Large

French BulldogSmall · Non-Sporting Group
RottweilerLarge · Working Group
PugSmall · Toy Group

Inheritance

Not yet known
None of the sources we use states how this is inherited in dogs yet.

We've gathered what published sources say about this condition, so you can talk it through with your vet. It isn't veterinary advice: you and your vet know your dog best.