Spinal fractures may occur as a result of any traumatic incident, like being hit by a car, attacked by another animal, or kicked by a horse.  Spinal fractures may cause a variable degree of neurological impairment, from being painful to having no sensation in the affected limbs.  These animals often have other injuries, and it is important that they be adequately treated for them prior to any surgical intervention.  A neurological examination is performed after the animal is stabilized.  The presence of sensation to the afftected limbs is the most important factor in whether or not recovery may occur.  Without sensation, the prognosis is poor.  Radiographs are taken to locate the fractured area and to evaluate the amount of displacement present.  Vertebral fractures should be stabilized to allow the bone to heal and protect the spinal cord while healing is ongoing.  There are many ways to perform this; at STVS, we use pins and cement to hold the fracture in place internally.  These patients require care similar to those recovering from disc surgery, with rest and physical therapy being mainstays of treatment.