Spina bifida is uncommon, but it belongs on this site because it sits at the end of the same causal chain as the screw tail — and that chain is rarely explained to buyers.
The tail is a warning, not a feature
The tight screw tail that many buyers find appealing is a cluster of malformed, fused vertebrae. The developmental process that produces it does not politely stop at the tail. Further up the spine it produces hemivertebrae, and at its most severe, failure of the vertebral arch to close over the spinal cord itself.
Recognising it
The distinguishing feature is timing. Unlike IVDD, which arrives suddenly in a previously normal dog, spina bifida is present from the beginning — the puppy has never walked normally, and has never been reliably clean.
A dimple, a tuft of abnormally directed hair, or a small opening over the lower back is a classic external marker and worth examining for in any puppy with a very tight screw tail and an odd gait.
Living with it
Mildly affected dogs can live long, comfortable lives with management. Incontinence is usually the limiting factor for owners rather than mobility — it means manual bladder expression several times daily, scrupulous hygiene to prevent urine scald and infection, and a realistic conversation about whether the household can sustain that for a decade.
Signs to look for
- Hind limb weakness or an abnormal gait from the moment the puppy walks
- Urinary and faecal incontinence
- A dimple, tuft of hair or opening over the lower spine
- Hopping or bunny-hopping gait
- Reduced sensation in the hindquarters
- Signs that are present from the start rather than progressive
What causes it
- Failure of the neural arch to close during embryonic development
- Genetically linked to the screw tail conformation selected for in the breed
- Associated with hemivertebrae and other vertebral malformations
How it is diagnosed
Radiographs show the vertebral defect; MRI is needed to assess the spinal cord and any associated abnormality such as a tethered cord.
Treatment options
- No curative treatment
- Manual bladder expression and careful hygiene for incontinent dogs
- Physiotherapy and hydrotherapy to maintain function
- Wheeled carts where hind limb function is inadequate
- Surgical intervention in selected cases with tethered cord
Reducing the risk
- Avoid breeding dogs that have produced affected puppies
- Prefer straighter tails, since the screw tail is a marker for vertebral malformation
- Radiograph breeding stock
Insurance: Unambiguously congenital and therefore excluded by most policies. The lifetime cost is ongoing nursing, incontinence management and equipment rather than a single procedure.
This is screenable. Ask the breeder for Spinal radiography and MRI; associated with screw tail conformation results for both parents before you commit to a puppy. See our full breeder question list.
What we would actually buy
Long-established lifetime product with high per-condition limits. Generally more expensive, and generally less inclined to dispute large orthopaedic and neurological claims.
Best for:Owners prioritising claim reliability over price
Check current priceJumping down from furniture is the most frequent repeated spinal loading event in a house dog's day, and this breed is already predisposed to disc disease. A ramp removes it entirely for the price of a single consultation.
Best for:Any household where the dog is allowed on sofas or beds
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Common questions
What causes spina bifida in French Bulldogs?
Failure of the vertebral arches to close over the spinal cord during development. It is genetically linked to the screw tail conformation, which is itself a series of malformed vertebrae.
Can a dog with spina bifida live a normal life?
Mildly affected dogs can live long and comfortable lives with management. Incontinence is usually the limiting factor rather than mobility, and it requires daily commitment for the dog's whole life.
How is spina bifida different from IVDD?
Spina bifida is congenital — the puppy has never walked normally. IVDD arrives suddenly in a previously normal dog, usually in middle age, and is typically painful, whereas spina bifida is not.
Related reading
This page is general information, not veterinary advice. Every dog is different. If you are worried about your French Bulldog, speak to your vet.