Repair of transverse process fractures of multiple lumbar vertebrae in an adult dairy cow.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To report lumbar vertebrae transverse process fracture repair using a narrow 3.5 mm limited contact dynamic compression plate (LC-DCP) in an adult dairy cow. STUDY DESIGN: Case report. ANIMALS A 3-year-old Holstein cow. METHODS: Under general anesthesia, fractured left transverse processes of lumbar vertebrae 2-4 were repaired using internal fixation. A narrow 3.5 mm LC-DCP was contoured and secured to the spinous process and the transverse process of each fractured vertebra. RESULTS: Fractured transverse processes of the lumbar vertebrae were successfully repaired and the cow discharged 10 days after surgery. At 10 months after surgery, the cow was declared reserved champion at a regional show. CONCLUSION: A paramedian approach and muscle splitting can be used to repair multiple lumbar transverse process fractures using internal fixation with an excellent cosmetic outcome.