Atlantoaxial subluxation

Question 1

What is it associated with?

Answer 1

• a significant traumatic incident (e.g. dogs running into patio doors with forced head ventroflexion)
• young toy breed dogs where anatomical factors will predispose

Question 2

Presentation

Answer 2

• in toy breed dogs anything from cervical pain, intermittent collapse to tetraparesis

Question 3

Tx

Answer 3

• treat as for fracture subluxation
  – need to be careful with cervical manipulation, conscious or under GA
• can respond to conservative therapy, rest +/- appropriate support
• some cases will need surgical stabilisation

Question 4

Diagnosis

Answer 4

• radiography (either conscious or GA with careful dynamic views)