Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Atlantoaxial instability causing neck pain and paralysis in toy breed
By Slanina, Meghan C·Published in The Veterinary clinics of North America. Small animal practice·2016·Department of Clinical Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Atlantoaxial Instability.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A young toy breed dog with atlantoaxial instability, a condition affecting the neck, may show symptoms like neck pain or even paralysis. Vets usually diagnose this issue using X-rays and may recommend surgery if the dog has severe symptoms or doesn't improve with medication. Surgical treatment tends to have a good success rate, helping many dogs recover and regain their quality of life.
People also search for: toy breed dog neck pain · atlantoaxial instability treatment · dog paralysis surgery · young dog neck problems
Abstract
Atlantoaxial instability is a congenital neurologic condition predominantly affecting toy breed dogs. Neurologic signs of a cranial cervical myelopathy typically present at a young age and can range from cervical pain (hyperesthesia) to paralysis. Diagnosis is often based on survey radiographs, although advanced diagnostic imaging can facilitate surgical planning, allow evaluation of spinal cord parenchyma, and rule out concurrent neurologic conditions. Treatment options consist of medical or surgical management, with surgical management being preferable in patients with neurologic deficits or those with unresolved cervical pain despite medical management. The prognosis for surgery is generally favorable.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26631590/