Page 17 - Eclipse - Autumn 2021

CLINICAL NEWS

Clinical collaboration for mistreated dog

A This is a technically complex and very occur. She was consequently monitored
small crossbreed dog
thrown from a moving van
unusual approach for stabilisation of
closely but there was no resurgence,
and found to have multiple
and she made a good recovery.
the vertebral column.
injuries made a good recovery
thanks to transdisciplinary treatment at In addition, she had an exploratory Gladys returned to the Neurology
RVC Small Animal Referrals. laparotomy due to extension of and Neurosurgery Service eight
the paravertebral abscess into the weeks later for re-examination. Her
Gladys, as she was subsequently abdomen. Gladys started to improve neurological examination found her to
named, was presented to the referring almost immediately after surgery and be greatly improved and able to walk
veterinary practice via a welfare charity, was discharged from the hospital after again. Repeat CT scan revealed a well
after a member of the public witnessed three days. aligned vertebral canal and resolution
her and another dog being thrown of the abscess. It was decided to
from the van in London. They managed Though Gladys made a good recovery consequently remove the external
to catch the dogs and took them to from surgery, the biggest risk for her fixator. Despite her ordeal, Gladys
local authority kennels. New Hope immediate health upon discharge was remained a sweet and affectionate dog
Animal Rescue was contacted, funded the recurrence of the abscess, which and her story left nobody untouched.
treatment and has since found homes would require further surgery if this did
for both dogs.
Though Gladys had a microchip,
no details could be obtained, and the
van’s numberplate was not recorded.
The other dog, a lurcher, was emaciated
and covered in pressure sores but had
no other injuries. Gladys was partially
paralysed and unable to walk.
Radiographs taken at the referring
practice revealed multiple spinal
fractures and so Gladys was referred
to the RVC. A CT scan revealed two
vertebral fractures. A smaller thoracic
vertebral fracture which could be
managed medically and a lumbar
vertebral body fracture with luxation that
required surgery. Additionally, there was
an abscess in the muscles surrounding
the vertebral fracture, which was thought
to originate from the surrounding
musculature and a traumatic abdominal
wall rupture.

Members of the Neurology and
Neurosurgery Service and the
Orthopaedic Service worked together
to save Gladys. Due to the presence of
the abscess and infection, there was a
realistic risk that placement of surgical
implants would be followed by dramatic
wound infection and implant failure. The
fracture was therefore stabilised with
an external skeletal fixator (ESF) rather
than placement of permanent implants.

Photo: New Hope Animal Rescue

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