Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Neck instability and spinal injury in small breed dogs
By Bell, Samantha·Published in The Veterinary Nurse·2025·Neurology Specialist Nurse, Queen's Veterinary School Hospital·View original on Crossref →
PetCaseFinder translated the abstract of this peer-reviewed paper into plain English so pet owners can read it. We do not publish original research — every detail traces back to the citation above. How we work →
Original publication title: Atlantoaxial subluxation: an overview and case report
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A small dog, particularly a Yorkshire terrier, may show signs of neck pain, such as yelping, holding its head low, or weakness in all four legs due to a condition called atlantoaxial instability. This issue can be caused by a birth defect or injury and can sometimes be managed with rest, pain relief, and supportive neck bandages. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary, which can be risky but often leads to significant recovery and a return to normal life.
People also search for: dog neck pain treatment · Yorkshire terrier neck injury · atlantoaxial instability surgery risks
Abstract
Atlantoaxial instability is a well-recognised cause of neck pain and spinal cord injury in dogs, particularly in small toy breeds such as Yorkshire terriers, Chihuahuas, and Toy Poodles. Clinical signs include spontaneous yelping, neck pain, low head carriage and tetraparesis. The cause of the instability is most often congenital, but it can occur following trauma. The condition can be managed medically using neck splints or neck bandages, analgesics, and rest. In some cases, this provides enough support for the ligaments to strengthen and support the joint, alleviating the spinal cord compression that causes the clinical signs. In some severe cases, surgery is required. This is an advanced and technical procedure that is best performed by experiences specialists, as it carries a high incidence of morbidity and mortality, especially in the first 48 hours post-surgery. However, surgery can lead to dramatic improvements and help the patient return to a normal quality of life.
Find similar cases for your pet
PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.
Search related cases →Original publication on Crossref: https://doi.org/10.12968/vetn.2025.0002