A rare case of spinal rudimentary meningocoele mimicking a spinal dermoid cyst in a cat

Abstract This report describes a rare case of a rudimentary meningocoele in a 1‐year‐old Scottish Fold cat. The presentation included multiple congenital abnormalities of the thoracolumbar vertebrae and sacrum, as well as a spastic contracture of the right pelvic limb. Advanced imaging, including plain computed tomography and fistulography, confirmed the diagnosis and aided in planning an L6 to S2 dorsal laminectomy for lesion excision. Surgery was performed to prevent complications such as infection and the progression of neurological deficits. Exploration of the lesion revealed a bifid cauda equina. The immediate postoperative outcome was satisfactory. The owner reported an excellent outcome at the 6‐month follow‐up. This rare case highlights that proliferation of meningothelial elements can be present in the cutaneous and subcutaneous tissues, that spinal dysraphism anomalies are often multiple rather than isolated, and that there is significant variability in their presentation. It also provides detailed insights into their diagnosis and surgical management.