Cervical vertebral fracture in a Thoroughbred filly with minimal neurological dysfunction

Authors
Muno, J.; Samii, V.; Gallatin, L.; Robertson, J.; Chase, J.
Date
October 2009
Journal
Equine Veterinary Education
Volume
21
Number
10
Pages
527-531(5)

Vertebral fractures in horses are relatively common and often occur due to trauma. Clinical signs may range from neck pain and mild neurological dysfunction to tetraplegia and death. Severity of signs and prognosis depends on extent of damage to the spinal cord. In this Case Report, serial radiographs, which track the bony changes associated with fracture healing, were performed over one year. Although surgical techniques have been described to repair fractures to the vertebrae, patients with minimal neurological deficit may have a favourable outcome with conservative medical management, as in this case.