## Overview Cervical vertebral fracture is a break in one of the seven neck vertebrae, most often from trauma such as falling over backward, collision, or a severe fall. Fractures can be stable or unstable and may or may not compress the spinal cord. Clinical signs range from neck pain and stiffness to ataxia, paresis, or sudden death. ## Causes High-energy trauma is the usual cause. Pathologic fracture from bone disease is rare. ## Diagnosis Acute neck pain or neurologic deficits after trauma raise suspicion. Radiographs, and often computed tomography, confirm the fracture and assess canal compromise. Careful handling is essential during transport and imaging. ## Treatment Stable fractures with minimal cord compression may be managed with strict stall rest and anti-inflammatories. Unstable fractures or progressive neurologic signs may require surgical stabilization when feasible. Many severe cases result in euthanasia. ## Recovery and Prognosis Prognosis is guarded and depends on stability and neurologic grade. Some horses with stable fractures return to use; significant cord damage carries a poor outlook. ## Prevention Minimizing high-risk situations is the only practical measure.
acute neck pain; reluctance to move the neck; ataxia or weakness; recumbency; sudden death in catastrophic cases
## Overview Cervical vertebral fracture is a break in one of the seven neck vertebrae, most often from trauma such as falling over backward, collision, or a severe fall. Fractures can be stable or unstable and may or may not compress the spinal cord. Clinical signs range from neck pain and stiffness to ataxia, paresis, or sudden death. ## Causes High-energy trauma is the usual cause. Pathologic fracture from bone disease is rare. ## Diagnosis Acute neck pain or neurologic deficits after trauma raise suspicion. Radiographs, and often computed tomography, confirm the fracture and assess canal compromise. Careful handling is essential during transport and imaging. ## Treatment Stable fractures with minimal cord compression may be managed with strict stall rest and anti-inflammatories. Unstable fractures or progressive neurologic signs may require surgical stabilization when feasible. Many severe cases result in euthanasia. ## Recovery and Prognosis Prognosis is guarded and depends on stability and neurologic grade. Some horses with stable fractures return to use; significant cord damage carries a poor outlook. ## Prevention Minimizing high-risk situations is the only practical measure.
acute neck pain; reluctance to move the neck; ataxia or weakness; recumbency; sudden death in catastrophic cases