Surgical stabilization of an occipitoatlantoaxial malformation in an adult dog.
OBJECTIVE
To report surgical planning, technique, and outcome of stabilization surgery in an adult dog with occipitoatlantoaxial malformation (OAAM).


METHODS
Clinical report.


METHODS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Galban
Evelyn M
EM
Neurology and Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA. egalban@vscdel.com
Gilley
Robert S
RS
Long
Sam N
SN
D000818:Animals; D001268:Atlanto-Axial Joint / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D001269:Atlanto-Occipital Joint / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D001863:Bone Screws / Q000662:veterinary; D000013:Congenital Abnormalities / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000151:congenital / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D004285:Dogs; D016268:Internal Fixators / Q000662:veterinary; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D009139:Musculoskeletal Abnormalities / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D019547:Neck Pain / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D010291:Paresis / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary; D011859:Radiography; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology; D013123:Spinal Fusion / Q000662:veterinary; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology