Case 14

Presentation: 3 year old, spayed female mixbreed canine was presented to AcaseAweek Clinic for occasional coughing and exercise intolerance of one month duration. The patient is not upto date on vaccinations and is not on any flea/tick/heartworm prevention.

Physical exam: 

• Weight: 18.8kg
• BCS: 2.5/5
• T: 102.0 F
• P: 120
• R: panting
• CRT: <>
• MM: pink and moist 
• Reactive lymph nodes 
• Heart- 2/6 Right AV systolic murmur 

Thoracic Radiographs (VD, DV and Right Lateral) were taken as shown (Click on the image to enlarge):

What are the radiographic findings and diagnosis?

What are differentials for the signs presented?

What further diagnostic tests will you perform?

How will you treat and manage this case?

Solution to this case

Solution for Case 13

Click here to see this case

Radiographic findings: Complete fracture of caudal aspect of L6 and ventral displacement of caudal part of L6 and L7. Complete fracture of the left wing of the ilium. A lateral and VD radiographs of thoracic vertebrae were also taken and all appeared unremarkable. 

Diagnosis: Spinal cord trauma due to Fracture of L6/L7 (UMN damage to the spinal cord).

Differentials for the signs presented:

• Lumbar or sacral spinal trauma
• Trauma and fracture of any portion of pelvis

Treatment: Establish an IV catheter and place on twice the maintenance at 4ml/kg/hr fluid rate with lactated ringer solution. Administer buprenophine 0.2mg/kg IV for pain. Treatment options are spinal surgery and devices such as a doggie carts along with possible complications of urinary and fecal incontinence. After all diagnostics were evaluated, all the treatment options including euthanasia were discussed with the owner and the patient was euthanized with pentobarbital (390mg/kg).