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
