Atlantoaxial Instability in Dogs and Cats
📝 Summary
Atlantoaxial instability is a misalignment of the first two neck vertebrae that compresses the cervical spinal cord, causing neck pain, stiffness, and incoordination. It may follow trauma or be congenital, and severe cases can cause respiratory paralysis and death if untreated.
1 Symptoms
Atlantoaxial instability (also called atlantoaxial subluxation or odontoid malformation) is marked by neck sensitivity, stiffness, and four-limb incoordination or paresis. Excessive neck flexion from trauma is a common cause and can affect any breed or age.
Congenital odontoid hypoplasia or dorsal ligament deficiency (more common in small breeds) also causes it. Signs include a sensitive, painful, extended, stiff neck; fore- and hind-limb ataxia, paresis, or paralysis. Severe cases cause respiratory paralysis and death. It may appear suddenly or progress gradually; the displaced vertebra can be felt on neck palpation. Congenital cases often show signs before one year of age.
2 Causes and Transmission
Trauma causing excessive neck flexion damages the dorsal ligaments, fractures the odontoid process, or dislocates the joint. Congenital odontoid aplasia or hypoplasia or ligament deficiency is the developmental form.
It is not contagious.
3 Diagnosis
A neurological examination shows cervical cord signs. Cervical radiographs (under sedation) reveal subluxation or odontoid abnormality; CT or MRI assesses cord compression.
Other cervical cord diseases should be ruled out.
4 Treatment
Treatment centers on reducing inflammation (corticosteroids), external fixation, or surgery. Avoiding forces that flex the neck is critical.
Surgical stabilization may be performed in suitable cases; strict rest and a neck brace support healing.
5 Prevention
Prevent neck trauma: avoid pulling on collars, use harnesses, and discourage jumping. Responsible breeding reduces congenital forms in small breeds.
Seek immediate care for neck pain or ataxia to avoid fatal respiratory paralysis.
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