Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Surgery to stabilize neck bone malformation in adult Shiba Inu dog
By Galban, Evelyn M et al.·Published in Veterinary surgery : VS·2010·Department of Clinical Studies, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Surgical stabilization of an occipitoatlantoaxial malformation in an adult dog.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 19-month-old male Shiba Inu was brought in with neck problems due to a condition called occipitoatlantoaxial malformation (OAAM), which affects the bones in the neck. After imaging tests, the veterinarian performed surgery to stabilize the dog's neck using screws. Post-surgery, the dog was able to walk and showed significant improvement in his neurological function within four weeks, although he still had some reduced feeling in one leg. Nine months later, he maintained a slightly extended neck but had no further neurological issues.
People also search for: dog neck problems · Shiba Inu surgery recovery · occipitoatlantoaxial malformation treatment
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To report surgical planning, technique, and outcome of stabilization surgery in an adult dog with occipitoatlantoaxial malformation (OAAM). STUDY DESIGN: Clinical report. ANIMAL: A 19-month-old, 25.5 kg, male castrated, Shiba Inu. METHODS: Radiographic and magnetic resonance imaging were used to identify and characterize OAAM. Using a ventral approach to the cranial cervical region 2 cortical bone screws were inserted from the axis into the malformed atlas and occiput. RESULTS: Ambulation was conserved postoperatively. Within 4 weeks, neurologic examination was mostly normal except for decreased proprioception in the right pelvic limb. At 9 months, the dog retained an extended neck posture, but had no neurologic abnormalities. CONCLUSION: OAAM should be considered as a differential diagnosis in an adult dog with cervical myelopathy. Surgical fixation with cortical bone screws using a ventral approach can be successful.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20880141/