Congenital central nervous system malformations in piedmontese calves—part 2. structural spinal cord disorders

Introduction: Structural spinal cord malformations in cattle are likely underreported, and their true incidence, clinical spectrum, and etiological factors remain poorly characterized. We characterized congenital structural brain malformations in Piedmontese calves in a companion study, whereas the present study focuses on congenital spinal cord anomalies and describes their clinical and pathological features. Methods: In this prospective observational study (2021–2025), Piedmontese calves with suspected congenital central nervous system anomalies underwent clinical and neurological examinations, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, diagnostic imaging, molecular testing for regionally relevant teratogenic viral pathogens, necropsy and histopathology. The study population originated from the provinces of Cuneo and Turin (Italy), which together account for over 80% of Piedmontese cattle farms. Only calves with necropsy-confirmed structural spinal cord anomalies were included. Results: Of the 70 calves undergoing necropsy for suspected congenital central nervous system anomalies, structural spinal cord malformations were confirmed in 5. Spinal cord anomalies included myelodysplasia (4/5), hydrosyringomyelia (3/5), segmental spinal cord aplasia (2/5), and diplomyelia (2/5). Open spina bifida was identified in 2/5 cases and closed spina bifida in 1/5. Concurrent musculoskeletal, and urogenital abnormalities were common. Molecular testing for bovine viral diarrhea, blue tongue, and Schmallenberg viruses was negative in all cases. Discussion: In this prospective study, structural spinal cord malformations identified in Piedmontese calves comprised a heterogeneous spectrum of developmental disorders frequently associated with one another and with musculoskeletal and urogenital congenital abnormalities. This is the first study to establish a phenotypic framework for future investigations into their developmental mechanisms and genetic basis in Piedmontese cattle.