Page 2 - Clinical Connections- Summer 2021

RVC RESEARCH STUDY VETERINARY SERVICES RVC.AC.UK
very unusual approach for stabilisation Gladys
of the vertebral column. In addition, she
had an exploratory laparotomy due to
extension of the paravertebral abscess into
the abdomen. Gladys started to improve
almost immediately after surgery and was
discharged from the hospital after three
days.
Though Gladys made a good recovery
from surgery, the biggest risk for her
immediate health upon discharge was the
recurrence of the abscess, which would
require further surgery if this did occur. She
was consequently monitored closely but
there was no resurgence and she made a
good recovery.
Gladys returned to the Neurology and
Neurosurgery Service eight weeks later
for re-examination. Her neurological
examination found her to be greatly
improved and able to walk again. Repeat
CT scan revealed a well aligned vertebral
canal and resolution of the abscess. It
was decided to consequently remove the
external fixator. Despite her ordeal, Gladys
remained a sweet and affectionate dog and provides the required stability to allow for types of implants are more commonly used
her story left nobody untouched. fracture healing with the additional benefit in orthopaedic surgery, a multidisciplinary
Steven De Decker, head of the of eventual implant removal. This reduces approach between Neurology and
Neurology and Neurosurgery team, said: the chance of implant failure and potentially Orthopaedics was utilised to achieve
“Gladys’ case was unusual as surgically devastating spread of infection. the best result for Gladys. Although a
treated spinal fractures are traditionally “Pins are typically placed bilaterally technically challenging and uncommon
managed with internal fixation with pins or in at least two vertebral bodies, cranial method, in the right circumstances can
plates. As this was not possible due to the and caudal, to the fracture site. The pins have favourable results.”
active infection associated with the fracture protrude through the skin to connect to a A spokesman for New Hope Animal
site, external fixation was necessary. ESF fixed external structure. Because these Rescue said: “We were amazed by how
well physically Gladys did post-surgery,
walking so well from the start and growing
in strength every day. Her emotional
recovery was somewhat slower though –
she was clearly traumatised by all that had
happened, really shut down and unsure
of everything. Slowly we started to see
glimmers of personality shine through, and
her confidence gradually started to grow.
“Gladys was rehomed shortly after her
last check-up at the RVC. She continued
to be quite nervous for some time and
needed a lot of love and care, but recently
she really turned a corner and started to
trust again. She lives with other dogs who
she adores and who have really helped her
rebuild her trust in people. It’s unbelievable
to think what she’s been through, and we
wanted to give her every chance. Without
the expertise of the RVC team this just
wouldn’t have been possible.”

For small animal referrals, please call:
Gladys recovering well 01707 666399
Email:
qmhreception@rvc.ac.uk
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2 Summer 2021