What is Atlantoaxial Instability in Dogs? || Southeast Veterinary Neurology скачать в хорошем качестве

What is Atlantoaxial Instability in Dogs? || Southeast Veterinary Neurology

Atlantoaxial instability in dogs is a common cause of neck pain, weakness and wobbliness in all four limbs. It occurs most frequently in young Yorkies, Toy poodles, Maltese, Chihuahuas and other toy and small breed dogs. Atlantoaxial instability occurs due to a malformation in the first two bones of the neck. This malformation leads to instability between these bones which can cause compression of the spinal cord of the neck. This compression causes symptoms of neck pain, weakness in all four limbs, incoordination in all four limbs, or inability to walk in all four limbs. Atlantoaxial instability can be suspected based on age, breed, symptoms and examination, but tests are needed to confirm a diagnosis. Radiographs (X-rays) can show the instability and misalignment of the bones of the neck, but an MRI is usually required to fully show the extent of the damage, to rule out other causes of neck pain and wobbliness/weakness in dogs. There are two main ways to treat atlantoaxial instability in dogs. The preferred treatment is surgery to realign the bones, then reduce the instability by stabilizing the bones. There are different methods of doing this, but at Southeast Veterinary Neurology, we use screws into the first two or three bones of the neck, removal of the articular cartilage at the atlantoaxial joint, placement of a bone graft and stabilization with bone cement. The other treatment option involves placing a neck bandage and strict rest for 4-6 months. The downside of this approach is that it does not address the underlying problem, and most dogs will have a recurrence or worsening of symptoms in the future. The prognosis for atlantoaxial instability is good for dogs that are treated with surgery. Complications of difficulty breathing, worsening of symptoms, bleeding, infection or breaking of the implants are possible. Southeast Veterinary Neurology has Florida's largest team of board-certified neurologists, all of which are experienced with atlantoaxial instability in dogs. #atlantoaxialinstability #aainstability #veterinarysurgery SEVNeurology.com Facebook:   / southeast.veterinary.neurology   Instagram:   / southeastveterinaryneurology   LinkedIn:   / southeast-veterinary-neurology