Stabilisation of atlantoaxial subluxation in the dog through ventral arthrodesis.

Abstract

Ten miniature breed dogs with atlantoaxial subluxation underwent ventral lag screw stabilisation. The procedure did not include bone graft packing into the atlantoaxial articulation. Four dogs showed continuous improvement after surgery. Three dogs developed complications due to external trauma and postoperative implant failure but improved with conservative therapy. Three patients died or were euthanized in early perioperative or postoperative period. The long-term outcome was good or favourable in all surviving patients. Suspected fibrous tissue proliferation and stabilisation without permanent bone fusion was found to be clinically satisfactory when the atlantoaxial joint has been subjected to limited stress during a long-term monitoring period.