Cat European short hair Male castrated 2 years of age Presented during the emergency service with a suspicious of HBC history. The cat was lame in the hind limbs. Palpation of the spine revealed pain in the lumbar region. Radiographs of the lumbar region were taken. Radiographic examination Ventrodorsal and left lateral view of the lumbar spine. Radiographic findings
- There is a very mild step formation at the level of the caudal end plate of L6 with subtle ventral dislocation of the end plate (arrow).
- There is narrowed intervertebral disc space L6-7 compared to the more cranial and caudal one (arrowhead).
- There is a mild increased soft tissue opacity of the sublumbar musculature (small arrows).
Radiographic findings Close up of the lateral view of the lumbar spine Radiographic diagnosis The radiographic diagnosis is end plate fracture of the caudal L6 with mild dislocation, luxation of L7,possible associated discopathy L6-7 and mild soft tissue swelling. Comments
- Trauma to vertebrae can result in fractures of any portion. This is commonly seen in vehicular trauma, gunshot injuriy, falls from height.
- Most spinal fractures occur at the junction of a mobile and immobile segment (lumbosacral, thoracolumbar, cervicothoracic).
- Radiographic changes include:
- malalignment of the vertebral column
- narrowing of the intervertebral disc space
- disruption of the cortical margin of the affected area.
- Care should be taken when performing radiography in these patients because instability may be exaggerated during radiography and positioning, leading to worsening of the neural compression.
- If available, in order to achieve two orthogonal views, the use of the horizontal beam may be beneficial.
- Cross sectional images as CT and MRI may provide additional information about the morphology of the fracture (CT) and the condition of the soft tissues (spinal cord and intervertebral discs, MRI).
The cat underwent to surgical reduction and fixation of the fracture and luxation. Post operative radiographs were taken. Lef lateral (upper) and VD view (right) of the lumbar region, post oparative study.
