LAG SCREW STABILIZATION OF A CERVICAL VERTEBRAL FRACTURE BY USE OF COMPUTED-TOMOGRAPHY IN A HORSE

Surgical fixation of cervical vertebral fractures may be indicated in horses that have progressive deterioration of their neurologic status if radiography, myelography, or computed tomography reveals a lesion a menable to repair. Fractures of the cervical vertebral body may not be visible during surgery because of reduction caused by extension of th e horse's neck when in dorsal recumbency. Computed tomography can faci litate accurate tag screw placement to avoid spinal cord damage. Cervi cal vertebral fractures of the transverse process or epiphysis have a better prognosis than those involving bone surrounding the vertebral c anal.