Where Does a Dog's Spinal Cord End?

In dogs, the spinal cord extends into the lumbar vertebrae and ends around L6, but it varies from dog to dog. This is an important anatomical fact. Once the spinal cord ends, the structure beyond that is called the “cauda equina” (which means “horse's tail” in Latin).

At what level vertebra does the spinal cord end at?

The spinal cord tapers and ends at the level between the first and second lumbar vertebrae in an average adult. The most distal bulbous part of the spinal cord is called the conus medullaris, and its tapering end continues as the filum terminale.

Does spinal cord end at L4?

L4 spinal nerve.

The L4 spinal nerve roots exit the spinal cord through small bony openings (intervertebral foramina) on the left and right sides of the spinal canal.