Thoracic Vertebral Subluxation in a Mixed Breed Dog

Abstract

A five-year-old male castrated mixed breed dog presented to Cornell’s Emergency Service for a 24 hour history of paraplegia. After being outside unsupervised, he ran back into the house, up a staircase, and lay down beside his owner. He could not move from this position for several hours, and was brought to the referring veterinarian. Radiographs revealed a probable vertebral fracture and subluxation between thoracic vertebrae twelve and thirteen. He was reportedly paraplegic without intact pain sensation. He was hospitalized overnight and referred to Cornell. On presentation, he was paraparetic with intact superficial pain sensation. Computed tomography (CT) confirmed subluxation and fracture of the articular facets of the right twelfth and thirteenth thoracic vertebrae. Surgical reduction and stabilization were achieved with String of Pearl plates. Postoperative radiographs showed questionable placement of a screw, and CT confirmed vertebral canal penetration. The screw was removed, and a mini-hemilaminectomy revealed dural laceration. After weeks of hospitalization and aggressive physical therapy, he currently ambulates well on textured surfaces.