Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Dogs with C2 vertebra fractures fixed using cuttable plates
By Snead, Olivia M et al.·Published in Frontiers in veterinary science·2025·Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Case Report: Use of veterinary cuttable plates to maintain reduction and reinforce polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) fixation in two canine C2 vertebral fractures.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 6-month-old Shih Tzu and a 4-year-old Golden Retriever were both brought in after being hit by cars, suffering from fractures in their neck vertebrae. Veterinarians used a combination of screws, special cuttable plates, and a type of acrylic to stabilize the fractures and relieve pressure on the spinal cord. After surgery, follow-up imaging showed that the fractures were properly aligned, and both dogs regained normal or near-normal movement and function. This innovative technique helped ensure a successful recovery for both pets.
People also search for: dog neck injury treatment · Shih Tzu vertebra fracture recovery · Golden Retriever spinal surgery outcome
Abstract
Veterinary cuttable plates (VCPs) were used to maintain reduction and provide reinforcement in screw and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) repairs of C2 vertebral fractures in two dogs. A 6-month-old male intact 3.8 kg Shih Tzu and a 4-year-old male intact 30.5 kg Golden Retriever presented after motor vehicle accidents. Computed tomography (CT) scans revealed fractures of the C2 vertebrae in both dogs. Fractures were reduced and stabilized with a combination of cortical screws, VCPs, and PMMA. The novel technique utilized veterinary cuttable plates positioned between screws cranial and caudal to the fracture for distraction and reduction of the fractures and can be incorporated into the acrylic. Post-operative imaging showed adequate fracture reduction and relief of spinal cord compression. Recheck examinations demonstrated a return to normal and near-normal neurologic function in both patients.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40370826/