ATLANTOAXIAL SUBLUXATION IN DOGS - THE RESULTS OF CONSERVATIVE AND SURGICAL THERAPY

The classical features of atlanto-axial subluxation in 24 dogs are des cribed. The results of conservative and surgical therapy are reported in 19 of these dogs. Fourteen dogs underwent an initial dorsal stabili zation procedure using synthetic suture material or wire suture. Nine of these dogs had an excellent long-term recovery. One dog died during the initial surgery. Three dogs required a second surgery due to dete rioration of signs. Two of these were were found to have breakage or l oosening of the suture. One of these dogs died during the second surge ry, and the remaining dog showed some improvement following dorsal sta bilization. This dog had an excellent response. Six dogs had a neck wr ap as the primary means of stabilization. Four of the six dogs showed an excellent long-term response and the remaining two showed little im provement.