Therapeutic use of hydroxyprogesterone in the management of acute spinal cord injury in a bull: A case report

A 4-year-old black, non-descript bull was presented to the Large Animal Medicine Unit, Veterinary Clinical Complex, Veterinary College and Research Institute, Orathanadu, with a history of acute lateral recumbency and generalized stiffness. Clinical examination revealed dullness and congested mucous membranes, though vital parameters were within normal limits. Neurological evaluation indicated diminished thoracic reflexes and exaggerated pelvic limb reflexes, localizing the lesion to the cervical spinal cord (C6-T2). Radiographic findings were unremarkable. The case was tentatively diagnosed as acute spinal cord injury. Initial treatment included antibiotics, corticosteroids, and methylcobalamin. From the third day, intramuscular hydroxyprogesterone was administered on alternate days. Marked improvement was observed, and by the seventh day, the bull was ambulatory without assistance. This case highlights the potential therapeutic role of hydroxyprogesterone in large animal neurology.