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1 March 2016 SURGICAL CORRECTION OF A CERVICAL SPINAL FRACTURE IN A BENNETT'S WALLABY (MACROPUS RUFOGRISEUS)
Brandy J. Kragness, Jennifer E. Graham, Daniela Bedenice, Melissa M. Restifo, Randy J. Boudrieau
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Abstract

Macropods are susceptible to trauma, and fractures of the cervical vertebrae due to collisions are relatively common. A 4-yr-old, intact male Bennett's wallaby (Macropus rufogriseus) was presented acutely nonambulatory and tetraparetic but with motor function present in all limbs. Cervical radiographs revealed a C4 vertebral fracture. Surgical stabilization was obtained through a ventral midline approach whereby the vertebral bodies were distracted and then secured with screws and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). Postoperative radiographs revealed restoration of the spinal canal and appropriate implant placement. The patient was discharged 4 days postoperatively and gradually recovered full neurologic function per the owner over the ensuing 10 wk. Subsequent radiographs obtained 10.5 mo postoperatively revealed a healed fracture with stable implants. The ventral spinal distraction and stabilization technique using screws and PMMA, as are used in the domestic dog, was successful in this wallaby despite its smaller vertebral size and comparable lack of soft-tissue support.

Copyright 2016 by American Association of Zoo Veterinarians
Brandy J. Kragness, Jennifer E. Graham, Daniela Bedenice, Melissa M. Restifo, and Randy J. Boudrieau "SURGICAL CORRECTION OF A CERVICAL SPINAL FRACTURE IN A BENNETT'S WALLABY (MACROPUS RUFOGRISEUS)," Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine 47(1), 379-382, (1 March 2016). https://doi.org/10.1638/2015-0101.1
Received: 27 April 2015; Published: 1 March 2016
KEYWORDS
Bennett's wallaby
cervical fracture
macropod
Macropus rufogriseus
stabilization
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