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. Study Design— Clinical case report. Sample Population— One adult intact male German shepherd dog. Resul...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Veterinary surgery 2003-09, Vol.32 (5), p.411-415
Main Authors: Steffen, F, Flueckiger, M, Montavon, P.M
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
animal injuries
Animals
Atlanto-Occipital Joint - diagnostic imaging
Atlanto-Occipital Joint - injuries
Atlanto-Occipital Joint - pathology
case studies
computed tomography
Diagnosis, Differential
dogs
Dogs - injuries
Dogs - surgery
German Shepherd
Hypoglossal Nerve Injuries
Joint Dislocations - complications
Joint Dislocations - diagnosis
Joint Dislocations - diagnostic imaging
Joint Dislocations - pathology
Joint Dislocations - surgery
Joint Dislocations - veterinary
joints (animal)
Male
Neurologic Examination - veterinary
neurons
Paresis - etiology
Paresis - veterinary
spinal cord
Tomography, X-Ray Computed - veterinary
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Summary: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. Study Design— Clinical case report. Sample Population— 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. Clinical Relevance— 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.
ISSN:0161-3499
1532-950X
DOI:10.1053/jvet.2003.50056