Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
New surgery method to fix neck instability in small dogs
By Forterre, F et al.·Published in Veterinary and comparative orthopaedics and traumatology : V.C.O.T·2012·Small Animal Clinic·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: An indirect reduction technique for ventral stabilization of atlantoaxial instability in miniature breed dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of miniature dogs with atlantoaxial instability (a neck condition that can cause pain and neurological issues) underwent a special surgery to stabilize their necks. The procedure involved carefully realigning the vertebrae without excessive manipulation, which helped avoid complications. All five dogs recovered well from the surgery, showing no immediate issues during or after the procedure. This technique may be particularly beneficial for small breed dogs, making the surgery safer and more effective.
People also search for: miniature dog neck problems · atlantoaxial instability treatment · dog neck surgery recovery
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To describe an indirect reduction method for ventral fixation of atlantoaxial instability. STUDY: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: Miniature dogs (n = 5) with atlanto-axial instability. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For surgery, the anaesthetized dogs were positioned in dorsal recumbency. A standard ventral midline cranial cervical approach was used. The median part of the cervical (C) vertebral bodies of C1, C2 and C3 were exposed. After excision of the atlantoaxial joint capsule, a fenestration was performed at the C2-C3 intervertebral disc with a narrow slot in the ventral cranial endplate of C3. A midline incision of the atlanto-occipital membrane at the intercondyloid incisure was made to provide access to the spinal canal. Longitudinal distraction and realignment of C1-C2 were obtained by placing the tips of a Gelpi retractor in the two openings created. Overdistraction allowed removal of articular cartilage between C1-C2. Closing of the C1-C2 articular gap was finally achieved by applying lateral distraction with a second Gelpi retractor placed between the paired longus colli muscles. Fixation could then be performed without further stabilization. RESULTS: No intraoperative complications were observed. Recovery was uneventful. CONCLUSIONS: The described technique offered good surgical visibility and permitted safe reduction of atlantoaxial subluxation. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: By reducing manipulation and instrumentation necessary for reduction of atlantoaxial instability, the described technique may be advantageous in toy-breed dogs.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22580918/