What happens to an animal struck in the spine if the spinal cord is not cut?

When an animal is struck in the spine and the spinal cord is not fully severed, it may be incapacitated temporarily but can still have some motor function. The structure of the spine allows it to hold up under certain impacts, so while the animal may drop due to the immediate trauma, it could potentially recover, regain mobility, and escape after a brief period.

This phenomenon occurs because while the impact may disrupt muscle control and sensation, it does not necessarily lead to permanent paralysis if the spinal cord remains intact. Muscles and reflexes could still function, allowing the animal the possibility of getting back on its feet and fleeing.

In contrast, other options describe scenarios that either imply immediate death or permanent paralysis, which would not typically occur unless the spinal cord is severely damaged or completely severed. Thus, the likelihood of an animal possibly getting up and running away after being struck in the spine, assuming the spinal cord remains connected, supports the correctness of this choice.