Page 2 - Clinical Connections- Summer 2021
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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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