Review of Incidence and Risk Factors for Spinal Fauctures in Canines

A survey was conducted to analyze vertebral fractures in dogs presented to the Madras Veterinary College Orthopaedic Outpatient Unit during a period of one and half year. A total of 24 cases were included, predominantly males with an average weight of 16 to 18 kilograms. The primary causes identified were road traffic accidents (n=15) and high-rise syndrome (n=9), affecting predominantly dogs aged 5 months to 2 years (n=14). Non-descript breeds were most commonly affected. Fractures were most frequently observed in the caudal thoracic vertebrae (T11 to L1). CT myelography revealed ventral displacement in cases of luxation, primarily affecting the thoracolumbar and lumbosacral regions. This study underscores the prevalence and characteristics of vertebral fractures in dogs, highlighting the need for prompt diagnosis and appropriate management strategies.