This test assists in ruling out a diagnosis of an inflammatory condition of the spine – these types of disorder are also seen most commonly in immature dogs. In some patients it may be necessary to collect some fluid from around the spinal cord (cerebrospinal fluid – CSF) and send it to a laboratory for analysis. X-ray of the neck in a miniature breed dog showing separation of the first two bones in the neck (atlanto-axial subluxation or instability), leading to an increased space between them (arrowed) In some situations a combination of X-rays, MRI and /or CT may be required. MRI can also confirm the diagnosis, help in assessing any spinal cord injury, and it can rule out other brain or spinal cord abnormalities that may be present. MRI scanning uses high powered magnets and a computer to generate images of the spine. A CT scan (a 3-dimensional X-ray) can confirm the diagnosis and provide more detailed information about any bone deformity, which in turn can help with the detailed planning required for a potential surgical procedure. Sometimes more advanced imaging techniques such as an MRI or CT scan are required.

Normal X-rays (radiographs) of the neck can be very useful for diagnosing atlanto-axial subluxation, but they provide only limited information about any underlying bone deformity and no information regarding the severity of any spinal cord injury. Investigations usually require a general anaesthetic and this must be undertaken with extreme care, as manipulation of the neck can exacerbate any spinal cord injury. Investigations are then required to confirm atlanto-axial subluxation and distinguish it from many other neck problems. How is atlanto-axial subluxation diagnosed?Ī detailed neurological examination is necessary to detect evidence of spinal cord injury and possible neck pain. Signs of spinal cord injury can vary in severity, from mild weakness or incoordination in all four limbs to inability to stand and walk. More subtle signs may include a low head carriage or difficulty lowering the head to eat or drink.

Affected dogs may show signs of neck pain, such as yelping and crying or rigidity of the neck. Often in toy breeds of dogs, a congenital abnormality underlies the problem, and for this reason the condition is most often seen in immature dogs (less than 1 year of age). Could my dog have atlanto-axial subluxation?Īlthough any dog could develop atlanto-axial subluxation due to trauma (for example, running into a patio door), it is most commonly seen in toy breeds of dogs, such as Yorkshire Terriers or Poodles. Although an injury can result in damage to the ligaments or the vertebrae, it is more common that dogs are born with an abnormality of the second cervical vertebra (the axis) or of the ligaments, which makes the likelihood of subluxation developing greater, often as a consequence of minimal, (if any,) trauma. This results in excessive movement of this joint (instability) which can cause neck pain and pressure on the nerves of the spinal cord which runs through the tunnel (vertebral canal) created by the vertebrae. Subluxation of the atlanto-axial joint occurs when the normal alignment of the first and second vertebrae in the neck is disrupted. What is meant by atlanto-axial subluxation? The design of this joint allows the dog’s head to move from side to side.

Instead, the atlanto-axial joint is stabilised by ligaments just like those in the joints in a leg, for example. It differs from the joints between the other vertebrae in that there is no ‘disc’ present. The atlanto-axial joint is the joint between the first and second cervical bones (vertebrae) in the neck, referred to as the atlas and axis respectively.

X ray odogs cervical spine