Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Atlantoaxial instability causing paralysis in a young Dachshund
By Simon Choi et al.·Published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science·2023·Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Veterinary Referral Hospital, Dandenong, VIC, Australia, CH·View original on DOAJ →
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Original publication title: Case report: Atlantoaxial instability and subluxation in a dog with Ehlers–Danlos syndrome
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 9-month-old male miniature Dachshund was brought to the vet after suddenly becoming weak in all four legs. The vet found that the dog had a serious spinal issue called atlantoaxial instability, which was putting pressure on the spinal cord. Surgery was performed to stabilize the spine, and while the dog recovered, it was noted that his skin was fragile and tore easily during treatment. This case is significant because it highlights how a rare condition called Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, which affects connective tissue, can lead to serious spinal problems in dogs.
People also search for: Dachshund weakness · dog spinal surgery recovery · Ehlers-Danlos syndrome in dogs
Abstract
Ehlers–Danlos syndrome is a rare, heritable connective tissue disorder characterized by soft, hyperextensible skin, joint hypermobility, and tissue fragility, the severity of which can range from mild to severe. A 9-month-old male entire miniature Dachshund was presented following peracute tetraparesis. Neurological examination was suggestive of intracranial vestibular disease or high cervical myelopathy. MRI revealed atlantoaxial instability and subluxation, resulting in marked spinal cord compression at C1–C2, which was surgically stabilized. On discharge from the hospital, skin fragility was noted as the result of skin tearing during tape removal. A piece of full-thickness antebrachial skin was submitted for histopathology which showed changes consistent with Ehlers–Danlos syndrome. This case report describes the first case of atlantoaxial instability and subluxation in a dog as the result of a confirmed underlying collagenopathy.
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Search related cases →Original publication on DOAJ: https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2023.1234995