Use of a 1.5 mm butterfly locking plate for stabilization of atlantoaxial pathology in three toy breed dogs

M. Dickomeit; L. Alves; M. Pekarkova; D. Gorgas; F. Forterre

doi:10.3415/VCOT-10-07-0114

Veterinary and Comparative Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Table of Contents

Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2011; 24(03): 246-251
DOI: 10.3415/VCOT-10-07-0114

Case Report

Schattauer GmbH

Use of a 1.5 mm butterfly locking plate for stabilization of atlantoaxial pathology in three toy breed dogs

M. Dickomeit

¹Small Animal Clinics, Department of Surgery and Orthopedics, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland

,

L. Alves

²Small Animal Clinics, Department of Neurology, University of Berne, Switzerland

,

M. Pekarkova

³Department of Small Animal Clinics, Department of Radiology, University of Berne, Switzerland

,

D. Gorgas

³Department of Small Animal Clinics, Department of Radiology, University of Berne, Switzerland

,

F. Forterre

¹Small Animal Clinics, Department of Surgery and Orthopedics, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland

› Author Affiliations

Abstract

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Summary

The objective of this study was to describe the use of a titanium 1.5 mm locking plate in the stabilization of atlantoaxial pathology in three toy breed dogs. Two dogs with atlantoaxial subluxation and another dog with an axial fracture, confirmed by diagnostic imaging, were stabilized via a ventral approach with a 1.5 mm titanium 5-hole locking butterfly-plate. Surgical reduction and stabilization were assessed by computed tomography and radiography after surgery. Follow-up evaluation for resolution of neurological signs and possible complications was performed in all three dogs. For long-term assessment, a telephone follow-up was performed. A considerable improvement of neurological signs occurred within two to four weeks after surgery. An excellent clinical outcome was identified in all three patients. Adequate stabilization and resolution of neurological signs in all three dogs was achieved. The stabilization of atlantoaxial surgical conditions in toy breeds with the 1.5 mm titanium 5-hole butterfly locking plate appears to be an effective means of surgical treatment.

Keywords

Atlantoaxial - locking plate - toy breed dogs

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References

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