Cervical vertebral fractures in 56 dogs: a retrospective study

• Published in: The Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association Vol. 35; no. 2; pp. 135 - 146
• Main Authors: Hawthorne, J.C, Blevins, W.E, Wallace, L.J, Glickman, N, Waters, D.J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.03.1999
• Subjects: Accidents, Traffic; Animals; bone fractures; Cervical Vertebrae - injuries; dogs; Dogs - injuries; Dogs - surgery; functional recovery; healing; neck; neurological deficits; prognosis; Radiography; Records as Topic - veterinary; Recovery of Function; Retrospective Studies; Spinal Fractures - diagnostic imaging; Spinal Fractures - surgery; Spinal Fractures - veterinary; spine; surgery; symptoms; traffic accidents; Treatment Outcome
• ISSN: 0587-2871; 1547-3317
• DOI: 10.5326/15473317-35-2-135

The clinicopathological features of cervical fractures in 56 dogs were reviewed. "Hit by car" (HBC) was the most common inciting cause, and the axis and atlas were the vertebrae most frequently affected. Surgical treatment was associated with high (36%) perioperative mortality. However, all dogs that survived the perioperative period achieved functional recovery. Functional recovery was achieved in 25 (89%) of 28 nonsurgically treated dogs with adequate follow-up. Overall, severity of neurological deficits (nonambulatory status) and prolonged interval (five days or longer) from trauma to referral were associated with poorer outcome. Nonsurgical treatment is a viable therapeutic approach for many dogs with cervical fractures. Early neck immobilization and prompt referral are recommended, because delay in referral decreases the likelihood of functional recovery.