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Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2014; 27(01): 62-67
DOI: 10.3415/VCOT-13-01-0009
Clinical Communication
Schattauer GmbH

Dorsal stabilization of atlantoaxial subluxation using non-absorbable sutures in toy breed dogs

D. Sánchez-Masian
1   Hospital Ars Veterinaria, Department of Neurology, Barcelona, Spain
,
A. Luján-Feliu-Pascual
1   Hospital Ars Veterinaria, Department of Neurology, Barcelona, Spain
,
C. Font
1   Hospital Ars Veterinaria, Department of Neurology, Barcelona, Spain
,
J. Mascort
1   Hospital Ars Veterinaria, Department of Neurology, Barcelona, Spain
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received 13 January 2013

Accepted 19 August 2013

Publication Date:
19 December 2017 (online)

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Summary

Objectives: To describe a novel dorsal technique for stabilization of atlantoaxial sub-luxation in toy breed dogs using 3-metric nylon suture.

Study: Retrospective study.

Animals: Fifteen toy breed dogs with a body weight of 2 kg or less with atlantoaxial subluxation.

Materials and methods: The atlantoaxial joint of each dog was surgically stabilized through a dorsal approach by placing a double strand of non-absorbable, 3-metric, nylon suture material between the dorsal muscles of the atlanto-occipital and the atlantoaxial joint muscles. Pre- and postoperative neurological status, diagnostic imaging, and complications were reviewed. Clinical follow-up examination was performed at six months. For long-term assessment, a telephone follow-up was performed.

Results: No intra-operative complications were observed. Functional improvement occurred in 12 dogs. One dog did not improve and four dogs required revision surgery. In two of those four cases, suture material breakage was proven and it was suspected in the other two. Two cases underwent a second dorsal approach with the same suture material and two cases underwent a ventral approach (transarticular fixation and multiple implants embedded with polymethylmethacrylate).

Conclusions: Dorsal stabilization using 3-metric nylon may be adequate as a safe, effective, and simple alternative technique for atlantoaxial stabilization in toy breed dogs of ≤1.5 kg of weight, in which the use of ventral screws and pins is challenging.

Keywords

Atlantoaxial - toy breed dog - non-absorbable suture material

 

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