Two Cases of Kittens Treated Surgically for Cranial Growth Plate Fracture of the Seventh Cervical Vertebra

Abstract

Two kittens with cranial growth plate fractures of the seventh cervical vertebra were treated with a ventral median cervical approach to repair the fracture and fixed using titanium screws and polymethylmethacrylate. In both cases, postoperatively osteophyte formation progressed gradually in the ventral part of the fifth cervical vertebra, and in one case, deformity was observed in the thoracic cage and thoracic cranial region. Although the etiology of the fractures is unknown, no implant failure or loosening was observed after surgery, the clinical symptoms improved, and these kittens were able to walk, suggesting that the technique described in this study may be an effective treatment option.