## Overview Fracture of the sixth cervical vertebra is a serious traumatic injury that can compress the spinal cord and produce ataxia, paresis, or recumbency. C6 is a relatively common site for vertebral fracture in horses because of its location and biomechanical stresses. Prognosis depends on fragment displacement and the degree of cord damage. ## Causes Falls, collisions, or sudden hyperflexion/hyperextension of the neck transmit force to the mid-to-caudal cervical spine, resulting in fracture of the body, articular processes, or laminae of C6. ## Diagnosis Acute neurologic signs or severe neck pain after trauma raise suspicion. Radiographs may show the fracture; computed tomography provides superior detail of canal compromise. Neurologic grading quantifies severity. ## Treatment Stable, minimally displaced fractures may be managed with strict stall rest and anti-inflammatory medication. Unstable fractures or those causing progressive neurologic deficits may require surgical stabilization when feasible. Supportive care prevents secondary complications. ## Recovery and Prognosis Prognosis is guarded to poor when significant cord compression is present. Horses with minimal displacement and mild ataxia can recover. Severe cases often result in euthanasia. ## Prevention Minimizing high-risk traumatic events is the only practical measure.
acute ataxia or paresis after trauma; severe neck pain; abnormal head or neck carriage; recumbency in severe cases
## Overview Fracture of the sixth cervical vertebra is a serious traumatic injury that can compress the spinal cord and produce ataxia, paresis, or recumbency. C6 is a relatively common site for vertebral fracture in horses because of its location and biomechanical stresses. Prognosis depends on fragment displacement and the degree of cord damage. ## Causes Falls, collisions, or sudden hyperflexion/hyperextension of the neck transmit force to the mid-to-caudal cervical spine, resulting in fracture of the body, articular processes, or laminae of C6. ## Diagnosis Acute neurologic signs or severe neck pain after trauma raise suspicion. Radiographs may show the fracture; computed tomography provides superior detail of canal compromise. Neurologic grading quantifies severity. ## Treatment Stable, minimally displaced fractures may be managed with strict stall rest and anti-inflammatory medication. Unstable fractures or those causing progressive neurologic deficits may require surgical stabilization when feasible. Supportive care prevents secondary complications. ## Recovery and Prognosis Prognosis is guarded to poor when significant cord compression is present. Horses with minimal displacement and mild ataxia can recover. Severe cases often result in euthanasia. ## Prevention Minimizing high-risk traumatic events is the only practical measure.
acute ataxia or paresis after trauma; severe neck pain; abnormal head or neck carriage; recumbency in severe cases