title: Sacral fractures in dogs: a review of 32 cases.
abstract: 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 telephone survey or physical examination at recheck. A score was assigned for each dog at presentation, discharge, and follow-up (0 for normal, 1 for minor deficits, and 2 for major deficits). Fractures located lateral to the sacral foramina were called abaxial, and those medial to the sacral foramina were called axial. Axial fractures had significantly more severe deficits at presentation (p = 0.00017) and discharge (p = 0.03063), but not at follow-up. Neurologic status did not improve significantly during hospitalization in either fracture group, but had improved significantly at follow-up.
authors.affiliation: Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg 24061-0442, USA.
authors.forename: C A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Kuntz
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Waldron
authors.forename: R A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Martin
authors.forename: P K
authors.initials: PK
authors.lastname: Shires
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Moon
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Shell
mesh_terms: D000063:Accidents, Traffic; D000818:Animals; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004285:Dogs / Q000293:injuries*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D008297:Male; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000662:veterinary; D011379:Prognosis; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012447:Sacrum / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000662:veterinary*