FRATURAS DE VÉRTEBRAS TORÁCICAS EM BOVINO BRANGUS CONFINADO

Relatam-se os achados clinicos, radiograficos e necroscopicos de fraturas de vertebras toracicas em um bovino macho inteiro , da raca Brangus , com 20 meses de idade, mantido confinado. O animal apresentava-se em decubito permanente ha sete dias, apresentando extensao cranial e paralisia flacida dos membros posteriores. Observou-se um aumento de volume na regiao dorsal da coluna vertebral entre as vertebras toracicas T10 e T12. Ao exame radiografico evidenciou-se fratura multipla em T11 e fratura transversa no processo espinhoso de T10. Baseado no prognostico desfavoravel optou-se pela eutanasia. Na necropsia verificou-se a presenca de hematoma na regiao ventral da coluna vertebral entre T10 e T12. Ao corte sagital da coluna , observaram-se as fraturas em processo espinhoso de T10 e multipla corpo vertebral em T11. Entre os fatores de risco para a apresentacao das fraturas vertebrais no animal se sugere trauma devido a manifestacao de sodomia ou dominância no grupo de animais, associado ao tipo de piso do confinamento. Abstract: This case report presents the clinical, radiographic and necroscopic findings of thoracic vertebral fractures in a 20 months old Brangus bull kept in a high load grain diet feedlot. The animal remained in recumbence for seven days, presenting cranial extension and flaccid paralysis of the hind limbs. It was observed edema on the dorsal region of the vertebral column between the 10 th and 12 th thoracic vertebra (T10 and T12). Radiographic examination showed multiple fractures on T11 and a transverse fracture on the spinous process of T10. The animal was submitted to euthanasia based on unfavorable prognosis. The necroscopic examination revealed a hematoma ventral to fracture region. A sagital section was performed on the vertebral column and a fracture at the spinous process of T10, followed by multiple fractures at T11 vertebral body were observed. Some risk factors are discussed while presenting the vertebral fractures. The risk factors considered for predisposing vertebral fractures in this animal are traumatic injury by sodomy and dominance behavior associated to the feedlot ground.