Atlanto-axial subluxation in the dog
Lakatos, L.; Suter, M.; Baumberger, A.; Pletscher, S.
Schweizer Archiv für Tierheilkunde 123(9): 455-465
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0036-7281 PMID: 7302554 Document Number: 177070
Subluxation of the atlanto-axial articulation in the dog is a rare condition affecting mainly toy breeds. It is caused by congenital hypoplasia or fracture of the odontoid process (dens) of the axis, or pathological changes in the ligaments of the joint, leading to dorsal displacement of the axis and compression of the spinal cord. A definite diagnosis can be established only by radiography. The prognosis depends on the degree of compression of the spinal cord. Four cases are described, in three of which surgical correction was attempted by fixing the atlas to the axis, without avail.