Ventral Stabilization of a T2-T3 Vertebral Luxation via Median Sternotomy in a Dog

Abstract EN

An 8-year-old neutered male miniature Poodle presented for evaluation of a suspected T3-L3 lesion with cervical component following vehicular trauma.

Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography revealed a T2-T3 luxation with right displacement of T3.

A T2 caudal endplate fracture was present as well as multifocal noncompressive bulges of cervical intervertebral discs.

Conservative management failed and ventral stabilization of C7-T4 was performed via a median sternotomy.

Paired String-of-Pearls plates were placed on the ventral aspect of vertebrae.

Eight weeks postoperatively, the dog was ambulatory with moderate pelvic limb paraparesis.

A luxation of T2-T3 is uncommon in small animals and surgical stabilization is poorly described in literature.

This case report demonstrates the use of a ventral approach to cranial thoracic vertebral stabilization with a successful outcome.