We appreciate everyone’s concern for a beautiful dog in our care called Skylah. She’s nearly two years old and has been with us and with loving foster carers for around 9 months now.
She was originally rescued by our Inspectors after being found in an extremely emaciated state and during her time with us has suffered from severe issues affecting her quality of life, including self-mutilation, compulsive circling and several other chronic pain-related conditions.
Despite 9 months of extensive rehabilitation and medical work, including an exhaustive routine of anti-anxiety medications, physiotherapy, pain meds, behavioural modification and trials of different environments, her condition worsened, negatively impacting her quality of life.
At that time, it was sadly and reluctantly agreed euthanasia was the most compassionate outcome for her before a final review of her case was conducted.
During this final review the possibility of a very rare medical condition called Tethered Cord Syndrome (TCS) was identified as a possible cause and further external experts were called upon to help us investigate. We really appreciate everyone’s patience while this review took place.
TCS is a very rare and genuinely debilitating and progressive condition caused by the spinal cord being physically anchored under chronic tension. It’s so rare European scientific researchers found only 30 cases of this condition.
Over time, this mechanical stress starves the cord of adequate blood flow and oxygen, damaging the nerve tissue and causing progressive neurological problems.
TCS is almost always a congenital condition, meaning the dog is born with it (or born with the underlying abnormality that causes it), and there are two broad categories of TCS.
One is associated with a visible structural abnormality – most commonly seen in screw-tail breeds like English Bulldogs and French Bulldogs, whose distinctive body shape comes with a genetic predisposition to spinal malformations.
The other, and the one we believe is affecting Skylah, is referred to as ‘Occult’ (meaning hidden) TCS. This is the more puzzling and more commonly missed form. It’s referred to as occult (or hidden), as there is no obvious structural abnormality visible on X-ray or MRI, yet the cord is still tethered, and because standard MRI scans look normal, this form is frequently overlooked or misdiagnosed.
Dogs with occult TCS typically develop symptoms at a young age, with most studies reporting onset around 11 months of age, though some cases appear as late as five years old.
Because these signs overlap with many other conditions including hip dysplasia, intervertebral disc disease, and behavioural problems, TCS is frequently misdiagnosed or missed entirely for months or even years.
Now we understand the condition Skylah may have, our teams are examining a number of pathways for her.
Given the very rare nature of this condition, this is the first time Occult TCS has been identified in our clinic, Skylah’s pathways will likely involve multiple experts external to RSPCA Victoria. Again, we ask for everyone’s patience while we ensure the right course of action for her.
As a result of Skylah’s case, we have also included an additional layer of review to our processes for all animals who may be exhibiting complex and irregular clinical or behavioural signs.
We would like to acknowledge the incredible care and love shown to Skylah by her foster carers, to the teams who have worked so hard to support her during her time with us, and will continue to do so, and to the community for the love they have shown her.
When more information is available regarding next steps for Skylah we’ll let people know.
