Use of ventral cervical stabilization for treatment of a suspected articular facet fracture in a horse.

This research discusses a case where a young Thoroughbred horse showing signs of poor performance and clumsiness was diagnosed with a suspected fracture in the cervical vertebra, which was treated effectively using a surgical implantation technique.

Introduction

• The study revolves around a case where a 3-year-old Thoroughbred filly (female horse) was showing signs of poor performance and ataxia, i.e., unsteady and clumsy movements. The cause of the ataxia was a fall.

Diagnosis

• The filly was examined for the above-mentioned issues and it was decided to take an X-ray of the horse’s cervical (neck) region.
• The X-ray (radiography) result revealed a linear defect in the right dorsal cranial articular facet of the horse’s fifth cervical vertebra.
• Such a defect in the spinal bone could cause interference with the nerve function leading to ataxic symptoms in the horse.
• The image findings hinted that the defect could mean either a fracture had occurred due to the fall, or, it might also be a developmental defect, something that the horse might have prematurally developed.

Treatment

• To treat this condition, surgical intervention was chosen where joint fusion (arthrodesis) and stabilization was performed.
• This was done by ventral (forward-facing) implantation of a Bagby basket, which is a surgical device used to provide support and stability, in the joint between the fourth and fifth cervical vertebrae.

Recovery

• Post-operation, the filly’s ataxia signs ended within four months, indicating the success of the treatment.
• With the improvement in condition, the filly was able to resume full race training.

Conclusion

• This case demonstrated the effectiveness of using ventral cervical stabilization, a surgical procedure, in addressing a case of suspected articular facet fracture in horses.
• It showed that such surgical interventions can successfully alleviate neurological symptoms (like ataxia) and can allow the patient to return to normal functioning.