SACRAL FRACTURES IN DOGS - A REVIEW OF 32 CASES

Sacral fractures have not been described well in dogs. The records of 32 dogs diagnosed with sacral fractures were evaluated for neurologic deficits at presentation and discharge. Follow-up was in the form of t elephone survey or physical examination at recheck. A score was assign ed for each dog at presentation, discharge, and follow-up (0 for norma l, 1 for minor deficits, and 2 for major deficits). Fractures located lateral to the sacral foramina were called abaxial, and those medial t o the sacral foramina were called axial. Axial fractures had significa ntly more severe deficits at presentation (p=0.00017) and discharge (p =0.03063), but not at follow-up. Neurologic status did not improve sig nificantly during hospitalization in either fracture group, but had im proved significantly at follow-up.