A classification scheme for sacral fractures was based on a review of sacral fractures in 34 dogs and 17 cats. They were classified into five categories based on their radiographic appearance on standard lateral and ventrodorsal radiographs of the pelvis. Concomitant pelvic injuries were commonly observed: 32 per cent of dogs had a fracture of an ilium and 65 per cent of cats had union bilateral sacroiliac subluxation. Neurological deficits were common where the fractures traversed the spinal canal or sacral foraminae. Comparison is made between sacral fractures in dogs and cats, and humans.

MIGRATION of foreign bodies to the lumbar spine has been reported in dogs but is uncommon (Johnston and Summers 1971, Brennan andIhrke 1983). When identified, the foreign body has invariably been a grass awn. Inhalation followed by migration via the pleural space, and ingestion and transabdominal migration, have been proposed as modes by which foreign material may reach the lumbar spine (Johnston and Summers 1971, Frendin and others 1999). This short communication describes a case of sudden-onset paraparesis due to a septic focus associated with the migration of a large sprig of conifer to the lumbar vertebral canal of a dog.A four-year-old female neutered dobermann was referred for evaluation of acute-onset non-ambulatory pelvic limb paresis. Patellar, panniculus and pelvic limb withdrawal reflexes were considered normal, as was pedal sensation. The thoracic limbs were neurologically normal. Bladder control at presentation was not determined. The dog was normothermic. The dog had a history of short episodes of intermittent lethargy and suspected back pain over two years, which had previously responded to antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drug treatment. The most recent episode had occurred 10 days before presentation, and had rapidly responded to medical treatment, with the owner reporting a return to normal within seven days.Radiographs of the thoracolumbar spine were obtained under general anaesthesia. There was profuse ventral spondylosis involving L2 and L3, an irregularly widened L2-L3 intervertebral disc space and variable radiopacity, including multiple punctate lucencies and sclerosis, of the involved vertebral bodies (Fig 1a). These findings were suggestive of persistent osteomyelitis of the vertebral bodies L2 and L3 and associated chronic discospondylitis. Lumbar myelography was performed by injection of 6 ml iohexol (Omnipaque; GE Healthcare) via lumbar puncture at L5-L6. There were multifocal mild deviations in the left and right contrast columns (on a ventrodorsal view) and a major deviation of the right contrast column towards the midline at the level of L2-L3 (Fig 1b).A right-sided hemilaminectomy centred over the L2-L3 intervertebral disc was performed. Perioperatively, 140 mg carprofen (Rimadyl; Pfizer) and 700 mg cefazolin (Kefzol; Lilly) were administered intravenously. Intravenous fluid therapy with lactated Ringer's solution (Aqupharm No11; Animalcare) was administered at a rate of 10 ml/kg/hour throughout the procedure. As the inner periosteum was incised, purulent fluid exuded from the epidural space. A layer of granulation tissue 2 to 3 mm thick covered the dural sac. The bone of the vertebral body of L2 was soft and contained a cavity 20 mm in diameter, which was explored with a small probe. A large sprig of plant material, approximately 25 mm in length (Fig 2), was retrieved from the defect. Tissue from the cavity was collected and submitted for histopathology and bacterial culture and sensitivity testing. The wound was closed routinely and the dog recovered from anaesthesia uneventful...

There have been many recent advances in the understanding of the pathophysiology of acute spinal cord trauma which have influenced the approach to case management. Although the clinician has no control over the initial trauma, medical and surgical treatment regimens may be able to influence neuronal survival by interrupting the ensuing pathophysiological events. Acute spinal patients should always be regarded as emergencies. Intravenous access lines can normally be established during the initial patient evaluation and medical therapy instituted. At present, a short-term, intensive methylprednisolone sodium succinate protocol is advocated. This regimen is aimed at maintaining tissue concentrations of the drug at a level consistent with the inhibition of free radical induced lipid peroxidation. Decisions can be made following further diagnostic work-up as to the necessity for decompressive surgery or spinal stabilisation.

A previously unpublished surgical technique for the management of disc-associated wobbler syndrome is described. A series of 17 middle-aged dobermanns (mean age 7.4 years) with this condition were managed by a technique of partial slot fenestration and position screw fixation of the affected disc space (C6/7 in all cases). One patient was lost to follow-up and, of the remaining 16 cases, 13 improved following surgery (81 per cent). The three failures were a consequence of incorrect placement of one of the screws. Careful evaluation of immediate postoperative radiographs allows this problem to be identified; the screw can then be correctly repositioned with an immediate return to surgery.

Four dogs with atlantoaxial subluxation were treated surgically via a ventral approach and the application of an ASIF mini H plate and 2·0 mm screws to the vertebral bodies. Three dogs recovered and are well but one dog died of a cardiac arrest postoperatively.