Modified segmental vertebral stabilization in the treatment of spinal cord trauma in a Paraguaian hairy dwarf porcupine (Coendou spinosus): case report

ABSTRACT An female, adult Paraguayan hairy dwarf porcupine (Coendou spinosus, F. Cuvier, 1823) was referred to the Veterinary Hospital with clinical history of spinal cord injury. In the neurological examination, paraplegia with preserved nociception compatible with signs of spinal shock were observed. Radiographic and myelographic examinations showed evidence of a vertebral dislocation and fracture between the 10th and 11th thoracic vertebrae. The patient underwent surgical stabilization of the lesion using the modified segmental vertebral stabilization technique with Steinmann pins and cerclage wires. Under the conditions reported in this case, the technique was effective in stabilizing vertebral fracture/dislocation and in recovering neurological functions. The patient presented progressive recovery from ambulation. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first case report that performed modified segment stabilization for thoracic vertebral fracture/luxation treatment in Coendou spinosus.

摘要 一只成年雌性巴拉圭刺毛矮豪猪（Coendou spinosus, F. Cuvier, 1823）因脊髓损伤病史被转诊至兽医院。神经系统检查显示其存在截瘫且痛觉保留，符合脊髓休克的临床特征。X线摄影与脊髓造影检查可见第10与第11胸椎之间存在椎体脱位与骨折。该病例采用改良节段性椎体稳定技术，联合斯泰因曼氏针（Steinmann pins）与环扎钢丝对病变部位实施手术固定。在本病例报告所述的诊疗条件下，该技术可有效稳定胸椎骨折/脱位并促进神经功能恢复，患者的步行功能逐步得到改善。据作者所知，本报告为首例针对刺毛矮豪猪（Coendou spinosus）胸椎骨折/脱位实施改良节段稳定术的病例报道。