Traumatic atlanto-occipital luxation in a dog: associated hypoglossal nerve deficits and use of 3-dimensional computed tomography.
OBJECTIVE
To present a detailed description of a dog with atlanto-occipital (A-O) luxation, including results of the neurologic examination, diagnostic imaging, and treatment by closed reduction.


METHODS
Clinical case report.


METHODS
One adult intact male German shepherd dog.


RESULTS
Neurologic signs included nonambulatory tetraparesis and neck pain. An apparent hypoglossal nerve deficit was consistent with a lesion at the peripheral part of the nerve in the region of the craniocervical junction. Radiographic examination revealed a left-sided luxation of the A-O joint, and fractures were excluded with the aid of computed tomography (CT). Closed reduction of the luxated articulation resulted in a stable A-O joint, and complete neurologic recovery occurred within 4 weeks.


CONCLUSIONS
Hypoglossal nerve deficits may be associated with A-O luxation.


CONCLUSIONS
Closed reduction of a unilateral, traumatic luxation of the A-O joint is a therapeutic option in dogs. CT imaging, especially 3-dimensional reconstruction, was considered helpful in excluding fractures as well as defining treatment options.
Department of Small Animals, Sections of Surgery/Neurology and Radiology/Radiooncology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
Frank
F
Steffen
Mark
M
Flueckiger
Pierre M
PM
Montavon
D000818:Animals; D001269:Atlanto-Occipital Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries* / Q000473:pathology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004285:Dogs / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D061228:Hypoglossal Nerve Injuries; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D008297:Male; D009460:Neurologic Examination / Q000662:veterinary; D010291:Paresis / Q000209:etiology / Q000662:veterinary; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000662:veterinary