Surgical treatment of cervical (C7‐T1) instability caused by discospondylitis in a horse

Abstract

SummaryDiscospondylitis is an inflammatory condition involving the vertebral bodies and is rarely reported in horses. Clinical signs are associated with neck stiffness and forelimb ataxia. In other species, treatment consists mainly of antibiotics coupled with non‐steroidal analgesics for a period of 3–12 weeks. An inadequate response to conservative treatment requires surgical intervention, but there is limited information in the literature regarding surgical management in large animals. A 3‐year‐old Quarter Horse gelding presented for an approximately 4‐week history of generalised stiffness and reluctance to move. Computed tomography with myelogram revealed abnormalities consistent with discospondylitis at the level of the seventh cervical and first thoracic vertebrae (C7‐T1). The patient underwent cervical vertebral interbody fusion using a combination of compression of the vertebral bodies using cortical screws in lag fashion and a 4‐hole locking compression plate (LCP). The patient was discharged from the hospital with marked improvement. At the time of this report, 4 months after the procedure, the horse continues to show marked improvement in mobility and range of motion.