Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Atlantoaxial joint instability and spinal risk in a toy breed dog
By Forterre, F et al.·Published in Veterinary and comparative orthopaedics and traumatology : V.C.O.T·2015·Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Biomechanical properties of the atlantoaxial joint with naturally-occurring instability in a toy breed dog. A comparative descriptive cadaveric study.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A young Yorkshire Terrier was found to have instability in its neck joint, which can cause serious issues like spinal cord compression. The examination revealed that the ligaments supporting the joint were damaged, leading to increased movement that could result in injury. This condition can be very dangerous, and it's important for pet owners to be aware of the signs, such as neck pain or difficulty moving. Treatment options may include surgery to stabilize the joint and prevent further complications.
People also search for: Yorkshire Terrier neck pain · dog atlantoaxial instability treatment · signs of spinal cord compression in dogs
Abstract
The biomechanical properties of the atlanto-axial joint in a young Yorkshire Terrier dog with spontaneous atlantoaxial instability were compared to those of another young toy breed dog with a healthy atlantoaxial joint. The range-of-motion was increased in flexion and lateral bending in the unstable joint. In addition, lateral bending led to torsion and dorsal dislocation of the axis within the atlas. On gross examination, the dens ligaments were absent and a longitudinal tear of the tectorial membrane was observed. These findings suggest that both ventral and lateral flexion may lead to severe spinal cord compression, and that the tectorial membrane may play a protective role in some cases of atlantoaxial instability.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26195254/