Vertebral Vascular Canal Dysplasia in Cats

A vertebral anomaly termed vertebral vascular canal dysplasia (VVCD) has recently been described in French and English bulldogs. VVCD has not been reported in cats. The authors report findings of VVCD in cats. VVCD was defined as a defect in the ossification of the vertebral body of variable extent, centered around the vascular canal. A retrospective search for affected feline cases was conducted in hospital imaging databases (MRI and CT, 2018-2022). Cases with imaging findings consistent with VVCD were included. Signalment and clinical history were recorded. Imaging studies were reviewed by an ECVN resident and board-certified neurologists. A total of 10 cats were identified; 7 domestic shorthairs (4 male neutered (MN), 3 female neutered (FN)), 1 MN British longhair, 1 MN Maine Coon and 1 MN Scottish Fold. Ages ranged from 9 months – 12 years. MRI was performed in 9/10 cases, CT was performed in 1/10 cases. Radiographs were available for review in 7/10 cases. Thoracic and lumbar vertebrae were affected to a variable extent. Contents of the dysplastic vertebral vascular canal were consistent with fat in all included cases. Based on findings in this study, VVCD occurs in cats. Clinical significance of this finding may be uncovered as this anomaly is recognized in more patients, but the diagnosis of VVCD is, for instance, likely of importance in those cases where vertebral implant procedures are planned. Increased awareness of this vertebral anomaly, especially among neurologists and radiologists, could help to recognize and document future cases.