Conservative management of a T6 compression fracture in a juvenile reindeer

Abstract

Management of traumatic spinal cord injuries has been well-documented in both human and small animal medical literature. However, less is known about the application of these guidelines in large animals. Following initial assessment and localization of the lesion, course of therapy and prognosis are based upon the stability of the injury and the extent of spinal cord compression. Conservative management is usually reserved for cases with minimal instability and compression. In other cases, surgical decompression and/or stabilization is instituted. Stabilization may be achieved with either internal or external fixation. Management of the acute injury currently includes the use of corticosteroids within the first eight hours of trauma in order to prevent secondary spinal cord injury, which results from free radical accumulation and cell membrane peroxidation. Finally, recumbent care is an important component of management of these patients. In particular, management of micturition disorders is paramount to the recovery of neurologic patients.