Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Boxer dog with neck nerve pain improves after ligament surgery
By Hamilton, Leonard C et al.·Published in Veterinary and comparative orthopaedics and traumatology : V.C.O.T·2016·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Mineralization of the transverse ligament of the atlas causing compressive radiculopathy. Resolution following odontoidectomy and atlantoaxial arthrodesis.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 5-year-old female Boxer was brought in with severe neck pain that had lasted four months and wasn't getting better with medication. After examining her and doing an MRI, the vet found that a mineral buildup was pressing on her cervical nerves. To relieve her pain, the vet performed two surgeries: an odontoidectomy (removing part of the bone) and atlantoaxial arthrodesis (stabilizing the neck joint). Following the surgeries, the mineralization started to break down, and the dog showed significant improvement in her symptoms.
People also search for: Boxer neck pain treatment · dog cervical radiculopathy surgery · mineralization of neck ligament in dogs
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To describe a case of a Boxer dog with radiculopathy due to mineralization of the transverse ligament of the atlas and subsequent resorption and resolution of clinical signs after atlantoaxial arthrodesis and odontoidectomy. CASE REPORT: A five-year-old neutered female Boxer dog was presented with a four-month history of cervical hyperaesthesia refractory to medical management. Neurological examination and magnetic resonance imaging indicated a diagnosis of radiculopathy due to cervical nerve root impingement by dystrophic mineralization of the transverse ligament of the atlas. Odontoidectomy was performed by a ventral approach and atlantoaxial arthrodesis was achieved with a ventral composite polymethylmethacrylate and pin fixation. RESULTS: Atlantoaxial arthrodesis and progressive resorption of the mineralization following stabilization facilitated indirect decompression. The radioclinical diagnosis and response to arthrodesis was considered analogous to retro-odontoid pannus in the human. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: A clinical condition similar to retro-odontoid pannus may exist in the canine and may be amenable to atlantoaxial arthrodesis.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26992137/