Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Repair of fractured dens of the axis in a foal.
- Journal:
- Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
- Year:
- 1978
- Authors:
- Owen, R & Maxie, L L
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A 3-week-old foal developed quadriplegia, which means it couldn't move its legs, due to a fracture in a specific part of its neck called the dens of the axis. After four days of being unable to move, the foal underwent surgery to fix the fracture and keep the area stable. Two months later, the foal was able to stand, walk, and trot normally without any noticeable neurological problems. Three years after the surgery, the foal had only a slight issue with its left hind leg when it ran fast. Overall, the treatment was successful, allowing the foal to recover well.
Abstract
Quadriplegia of 4 days' duration in a 3-week-old foal was caused by displacement of the dens of the axis due to a fracture at the dens growth plate. The displacement was reduced and was immobilized surgically. Two months after surgery, the foal was able to rise, walk, and trot without apparent neurologic deficiencies. Three years later, the only defect was a mild gait disturbance in the left hindlimb seen at a canter and a gallop.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/711607/