Summary
The purpose of this retrospective study was to compare patterns of vertebral fractures
and luxations in 42 cats and 47 dogs, and to evaluate the impact of species-related
differences on clinical outcome. Data regarding aetiology, neurological status, radiographic
appearance and follow-up were compared between the groups. The thoracolumbar (Th3-L3)
area was the most commonly affected location in both cats (49%) and dogs (58%). No
lesions were observed in the cervical vertebral segments in cats, and none of the
cats showed any signs of a Schiff-Sherrington syndrome. Vertebral luxations were significantly
more frequent in dogs (20%) than in cats (6%), whereas combined fracture-luxations
occurred significantly more often in cats (65%) than in dogs (37%). Caudal vertebral
segment displacement was mostly dorsal in cats and ventral in dogs, with a significant
difference in direction between cats and large dogs. The clinical outcome did not
differ significantly between the two populations, and was poor in most cases (cats:
61%; dogs: 56%). The degree of dislocation and axis deviation were both significantly
associated with a worse outcome in dogs, but not in cats. Although several differences
in vertebral fractures and luxation patterns exist between cats and dogs, these generally
do not seem to affect outcome.
Keywords
Vertebral fractures - vertebral luxations - cats - dogs