Figure 14-32.

Spina Bifida Occulta, Calf.

There is a cleft in several vertebrae of the dorsal spinal column resulting from defective closure of the neural tube. Although not always the case, note the lack of herniation of the meninges or spinal cord through the defect. The spinal cord is not visible (i.e., occulta) because it is located in the vertebral canal at the deepest ventral extent of the cleft and is covered by edematous muscle. (Courtesy Dr. M.D. McGavin, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee.)