Question of the Day

This dog has fractures of the dorsal spinous processes of L4, L5, and L6. The location and severity of a spinal fracture determine the neurologic deficits.

Neurologic signs can progress with unstable fractures. Edema, demyelination, hemorrhage, and necrosis can cause deterioration of neurologic deficits.

Handle spinal trauma patients with care, particularly if they are sedated or anesthetized and stabilizing muscles are relaxed. Incorrect handling can worsen neurologic damage. Pursue CT if spinal fracture is suspected but radiographs do not detect a lesion.

Prognosis depends on the severity of neurologic dysfunction. Prognosis is poor if deep pain is absent caudal to the lesion.

Image courtesy of Shirley Shelton Scott, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (Neurology).