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Arthrodesis

Condition Guide

Arthrodesis

What is Arthrodesis?

Arthrodesis in non-vet-speak means the surgical fusion of a joint. Basically the bones are fused to form a permanently joined joint so that there is no movement in this part of the limb. Arthrodesis is a salvage procedure that is generally only performed when there are no other options to save the function of the joint. The shoulder, elbow, carpal (wrist), stifle (knee), hock (ankle) and digit (toe) joints can be arthrodesed.

Why would an Arthrodesis be recommended?

The principle indications for arthrodesis are:

  • Arthritis that is causing chronic pain and cannot be medicated for
  • Joint instability that cannot be treated by other means
  • Fractures involving the joint surface that cannot be repaired
  • Infection involving the joint that fails to respond to antibiotics
  • Tumours in or around joints
  • Muscle/Tendon ruptue that cannot be managed directly

What does Arthrodesis involve?

There are a number of steps to fuse a joint including the removal of cartilage, grafting bone into the gaps in the joint and plating the joint to secure it in place. It’s really important to restrict exercise for eight to twelve weeks and the vet is sure the bones have fused.

The majority of arthrodesis operations are uneventful and are not associated with complications, however, these are major procedures and thus the following complications are possible:

  • loosening or breakage of implants (plates, screws, pins) may occur if the joint fails to fuse in sufficient time. Implant failure can result in joint instability and necessitate further surgery
  • wound problems, such as breakdown and infection, are primarily associated with arthrodesis of the carpal (wrist) and hock (ankle) joints. Wound management within the first few weeks of surgery is of vital importance to minimise this risk. Dressings are often applied to the limb to minimise swelling and prevent the patient interfering with the wound
  • fracture of bones adjacent to the fused joint may occur due to the abnormal forces that result following arthrodesis surgery.

What is post surgical life like after Arthrodesis?

Limb function after arthrodesis surgery is primarily dependent on which joint is fused.

  • Wrist and ankle arthrodesis is good
  • Shoulder arthrodesis is fair
  • Elbow or knee joint arthrodesis significantly compromises limb function

In those patients where arthrodesis is indicated, the vast majority benefit from surgery.

Post surgical rehabilitation

Rehabilitation is a process which aims to maximise patient mobility and wellbeing, returning them to their usual way of life following illness, injury or surgery. We restore pets to normal function (or as close as is possible), efficiently and safely using a wide variety of physiotherapeutic techniques.

Injury and even surgery can disrupt the body’s equilibrium in all sorts of direct and indirect ways. Even a pet’s own protective responses such as the inflammatory process can overwhelm and inhibit healing so one objective of rehabilitation is to reduce this level of inflammation.  During rehabilitation, we also aim to boost the circulatory system, improve muscle function, increase range of motion within joints, and stimulate innate pain-relieving mechanisms.

With a committed and planned rehabilitation programme, pets can recover more quickly, realise better outcomes and avoid much pain and discomfort.

The best rehabilitation programmes consider the whole pet, not just the area of injury; we target and improve multiple systems throughout the body without forgetting the invaluable healing effects of boosting mental wellbeing too. From the wound healing properties of laser treatment, and the muscle strengthening of hydrotherapy, to the circulation boosting effects of massage, we will devise a rehabilitation programme to match a pet’s specific requirements.

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The content on this page is for advice and information only and does not represent veterinary guidance or direction. Please always consult a veterinary surgeon if you are worries about your dog.

Immune Mediated Haemolytic Anaemia

Condition Guide

Immune Mediated Haemolytic Anaemia

What is Immune Mediated Haemolytic Anaemia?

Immune Mediated Haemolytic Anaemia (IMHA) is a condition where the body’s immune system, which normally fights infection, starts to damage and destroy red blood cells. This results in the affected animal becoming anaemic (having a low red blood cell count). In some dogs  IMHA occurs without any underlying cause. However, in other cases there is an underlying reason or trigger factor that results in the body damaging and destroying red blood cells, and this is termed secondary IMHA. 

What are the signs of Immune Mediated Haemolytic Anaemia?

Affected dogs may show signs of:

  • Being quiet and lethargic
  • Pale or yellowed mucous membranes
  • Increased breathing rates
  • Decreased appetite
  • Running a fever
  • Muscle weaknesses

How is Immune Mediated Haemolytic Anaemia diagnosed?

Blood tests will be performed to determine the degree of anaemia. Other blood tests will be carried out to check general body organ function, and urine tests will often be performed to check for any evidence of urinary tract infection. Advanced imaging of the chest and abdomen is frequently recommended for patients with suspected IMHA. 

How is Immune Mediated Haemolytic Anaemia treated?

Primary IMHA is usually treated with drugs to dampen down the immune system which has become overactive i.e. immunosuppressive therapy. In pets which are very anaemic a blood transfusion may be needed, and a blood-typing test is often performed before the transfusion.

Rehabilitation for health and fitness

Rehabilitation therapy is not always about solving a neurological or orthopaedic issues but it can play an important role in maintaining the general health and fitness of your dog. Initial therapy may include a variety of exercises to strengthen musculature and cardiovascular fitness as well as maintaining mobility. An important part of this is aquatic rehabilitation to focus on improving mobility and fitness without putting additional strains on the body.

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Cushing’s Syndrome

Condition Guide

Cushing’s Syndrome

What is Cushing’s Syndrome?

Cushing’s Syndrome, also known as hyperadrenocorticism, is a disease caused by excessive production of cortisol. Cortisol is a very important hormone that the body needs on a day-to-day basis, but its levels need to stay within a normal range that the body normally regulates. Cortisol is produced by the adrenal glands, two small glands located near the kidneys in the abdomen. The adrenal glands are stimulated to produce cortisol by another hormone which is released by the pituitary gland, a very small gland located in the lower part of the brain. In dogs <20kg, 85% of Cushing’s Syndrome is caused by a pituitary tumour. In dogs >20kg there is a 50% chance that the problem is located in the pituitary gland, and a 50% chance it is in the adrenal gland.

What are the signs of Cushing’s Syndrome?

Affected dogs may show signs of:

  • Increased thirst, frequency of unrination and appetite
  • Weight gain
  • Thin skin and sparse hair coat
  • A 'pot belly'
  • Muscle wastage
  • Calcification of the skin or ligaments
  • Excessive panting

How is Cushing’s Syndrome diagnosed?

Cushing’s Syndrome can be very hard to diagnose. Diagnosis of Cushing’s Syndrome requires hormonal testing. There are several types of hormonal blood tests which can be used, depending upon your pet’s particular situation. Sometimes it is necessary to perform a couple of types of hormonal tests to determine whether your pet does, or does not, have Cushing’s Syndrome.

How is Cushing’s Syndrome treated?

The excess of cortisol can be treated medically, with a medication called trilostane (VetorylTM) – Medical treatment of Cushing’s Syndrome. In most instances, Cushing’s Syndrome disease can be well managed, and your dog will enjoy an excellent quality of life. Dogs with cushings disease are susceptible to degenerative orthopaedic issues such as cruciate ligament disease, and reduced cardiovascular fitness. 

Rehabilitation for health and fitness

Rehabilitation therapy is not always about solving a neurological or orthopaedic issues but it can play an important role in maintaining the general health and fitness of your dog. Initial therapy may include a variety of exercises to strengthen musculature and cardiovascular fitness as well as maintaining mobility. An important part of this is aquatic rehabilitation to focus on improving mobility and fitness without putting additional strains on the body.

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The content on this page is for advice and information only and does not represent veterinary guidance or direction. Please always consult a veterinary surgeon if you are worries about your dog.

Degenerative Myelopathy

Condition Guide

Degenerative Myelopathy

What is Degenerative Myelopathy?

Degenerative myelopathy is a chronically progressive neurodegenerative disease that occurs in several breeds. There is no known trigger, cause or treatment other than supportive treatment and unfortunately the prognosis is poor. Unlike other pathologies such as neoplasia or degenerative disc disease, this condition is not associated with any pain or discomfort. 

What are the signs of Degenerative Myelopathy?

Affected dogs may show signs of:

  • Asymmetric gait
  • Hindlimb incoordination
  • Hindlimb weakness
  • Loss of muscle tone

How is Degenerative Myelopathy diagnosed?

Sadly, the final diagnosis can only be reached post mortem.

To make a provisional diagnosis your vet will rely on the clinical history and exclusion of other potential issues. Typically – in addition to a complete history – physical, neurological and orthopaedic examinations, blood tests and MRI scans are initially performed. More recently, a DNA test became available to identify the SOD-1 gene

 

How is Degenerative Myelopathy treated?

The only therapy proven to improve quality of life and increase survival time is physiotherapy and appropriate supportive care (which varies depending on how affected the patient is). In animals that are still able to walk unassisted protection of the digits may be enough whereas in cases where the patient needs support, slings and harnesses can be used. In cases where continence is lost it is paramount to keep the animal clean and dry, and when not able to walk, changing their position when laying down and monitoring for pressure sores is essential.

Neurological Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation therapy is a key component in helping aid the recovery from neurological diseases. Once the vet has diagnosed your pet and completed any surgeries, our team can can step in to aid the long road to recovery.

Initial therapy may include standing exercises, as well as range of motion exercises. These are complimented with pain control and toe pinch exercises. An important part of the retraining is aquatic rehabilitation. Often, with more severe cases, one of our trained neurological hydro therapists will assist the dog whist in our underwater treadmill.

Other exercises include balance exercises, core stability and spacial resistance band walking, physio-roll balancing and home specific exercises. In the hydrotherapeutic environments, the dogs will walk and train with resistance against the water, whether walking or swimming. We also use therapeutic electrotherapies to deep-heat muscles, cryotherapy and laser therapy to aid the recovery process.

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The content on this page is for advice and information only and does not represent veterinary guidance or direction. Please always consult a veterinary surgeon if you are worries about your dog.

Traumatic disc extrusion

Condition Guide

Traumatic disc extrusion

What is Traumatic disc extrusion?

A traumatic disc extrusion, also known as a ‘traumatic slipped disc’ or ‘explosive disc extrusion’, occurs when a small fragment of material from the centre of a disc suddenly breaks free and travels at speed through the outer ring of the disc and collides with the delicate spinal cord.

The most common causes of this type of injury are road traffic accidents and trauma sustained when dogs run into objects such as trees or patio doors. However, rupture of the discs in the spine can also occur when dogs are exercising vigorously.

What are the signs of Traumatic disc extrusion?

Affected dogs may show signs of:

  • Wobbly on their legs
  • Loss of ability to move one or more limbs
  • Not able to stand at all
  • One side of the body is often more affected than the other
  • Loss of ability to feel pain in limbs and tail
  • Paralysis
  • Incontinence

How is Traumatic disc extrusion diagnosed?

Investigations are generally required in order to diagnose traumatic disc extrusions and rule out other causes of sudden spinal injury, such as a stroke, spinal fracture or degenerative slipped disc.

Normal X-rays of the spine may show that the space where an affected disc lies looks narrower than normal, suggesting that some of the disc material has moved out of position, but more advanced investigations are necessary to see if a disc has actually ruptured and to assess whether or not it is pressing on the spinal cord. Of the various advanced imaging techniques available to vets an MRI scan provides the best method of investigating this condition.

How is Traumatic disc extrusion treated?

Traumatic disc extrusions generally cause spinal cord concussion or bruising rather than resulting in ongoing pressure on the spinal cord. The damage done by concussion or bruising cannot be treated surgically, and as a result surgery is not usually of any value in treating cases of traumatic disc extrusion. Instead, the patient needs to be given time to allow the damaged nerve tissue to recover.

Supportive care after a traumatic disc extrusion are essential in order to aid recovery. Bedding needs to be well padded in order to prevent bed sores. Regular physiotherapy and, in some cases, swimming at a hydrotherapy unit can help function to be regained and assist in building strength.

Neurological Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation therapy is a key component in helping aid the recovery from neurological diseases. Once the vet has diagnosed your pet and completed any surgeries, our team can can step in to aid the long road to recovery.

Initial therapy may include standing exercises, as well as range of motion exercises. These are complimented with pain control and toe pinch exercises. An important part of the retraining is aquatic rehabilitation. Often, with more severe cases, one of our trained neurological hydro therapists will assist the dog whist in our underwater treadmill.

Other exercises include balance exercises, core stability and spacial resistance band walking, physio-roll balancing and home specific exercises. In the hydrotherapeutic environments, the dogs will walk and train with resistance against the water, whether walking or swimming. We also use therapeutic electrotherapies to deep-heat muscles, cryotherapy and laser therapy to aid the recovery process.

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The content on this page is for advice and information only and does not represent veterinary guidance or direction. Please always consult a veterinary surgeon if you are worries about your dog.

Thoracolumbar Disc Disease

Condition Guide

Thoracolumbar Disc Disease

What is Thoracolumbar Disc Disease?

A more common term for thoracolumbar disc disease is a ‘slipped disc’ in the back. The discs are the structures between the bones of the spine that act as shock absorbers.

Discs in dogs degenerate as they get older – just like people. This process results in the discs becoming dehydrated and losing their cushioning effect. They may then ‘slip’ in one of two ways:

  1. The material in the centre of the disc can come out of the fibrous ring and injure the spinal cord
  2. The fibrous ring may thicken and compress the spinal cord

What are the signs of Thoracolumbar Disc Disease?

Affected dogs may show signs of:

  • Sudden inability to walk
  • Back pain
  • Reluctance to jump or climb
  • Tense abdomen
  • Mild weakness or incoordination of the back legs
  • Incontinence

How is Thoracolumbar Disc Disease diagnosed?

A neurological examination is necessary to assess the severity of any spinal cord injury. This involves testing numerous reflexes such as the knee-jerk reflex. Checking the dog’s ability to feel pain in the hind limbs and tail is also important. The examination often helps the specialist to localise which area of the spine is affected.

Normal X-rays of the back may reveal evidence of thoracolumbar disc disease, such as a narrowed disc space or a calcified disc. However, more advanced investigations are necessary to see which disc has actually slipped and assess the severity of any spinal cord compression.

Thoracolumbar disc disease can cause severe spinal injury. Signs can develop extremely rapidly (acute spinal cord injury) and the damage can be irreversible. This is in contrast to people where back pain is the key feature and spinal cord injury is uncommon. Since thoracolumbar disc disease can be a life-threatening condition, some dogs need to be seen by a specialist vet as an emergency.

How is Thoracolumbar Disc Disease treated?

The two principle methods of managing thoracolumbar disc disease:

Conservative Management

When dogs with thoracolumbar disc disease are managed conservatively their exercise must be restricted. Short lead walks for toileting purposes may be necessary, with strict confinement at other times. The hope is that the ‘slipped disc’ will heal, any back pain subside and the spinal cord recover from any injury. Painkillers may be necessary and possibly other drugs, such as muscle relaxants. 

Surgical Management

The aims of surgery are to remove any disc material that is compressing the spinal cord and to prevent any more disc material ‘slipping’. Decompressive surgery involves removing a section of bone from around the spine to enable retrieval of disc material. Further ‘slipping’ can be prevented by cutting a small window in the side of the disc and removing material in the centre. 

Neurological Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation therapy is a key component in helping aid the recovery from neurological diseases. Once the vet has diagnosed your pet and completed any surgeries, our team can can step in to aid the long road to recovery.

Initial therapy may include standing exercises, as well as range of motion exercises. These are complimented with pain control and toe pinch exercises. An important part of the retraining is aquatic rehabilitation. Often, with more severe cases, one of our trained neurological hydro therapists will assist the dog whist in our underwater treadmill.

Other exercises include balance exercises, core stability and spacial resistance band walking, physio-roll balancing and home specific exercises. In the hydrotherapeutic environments, the dogs will walk and train with resistance against the water, whether walking or swimming. We also use therapeutic electrotherapies to deep-heat muscles, cryotherapy and laser therapy to aid the recovery process.

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The content on this page is for advice and information only and does not represent veterinary guidance or direction. Please always consult a veterinary surgeon if you are worries about your dog.

Lumbosacral stenosis

Condition Guide

Lumbosacral stenosis

What is Lumbosacral stenosis?

Lumbosacral stenosis is a spinal condition of dogs that resembles a ‘slipped disc’ or ‘sciatica’ in people. As in people, many patients with lumbosacral stenosis can be managed successfully with conservative treatment, although surgery is occasionally necessary to relieve the pressure on trapped nerves.

Lumbosacral stenosis is a neurological condition where nerves at the base of the spine are compressed by a bulging disc or other tissues. Ageing may result in dehydration and degeneration of this disc which may then bulge and compress or ‘trap’ regional nerves. The resultant narrowing of the canal in the spine or the exit holes between the bones is referred to as stenosis.

What are the signs of Lumbosacral stenosis?

Affected dogs may show signs of:

  • Back pain
  • Reluctance to jump and climb
  • Difficulty rising
  • Hind limb lameness
  • Incontinence
  • Reduced tail movement

How is Lumbosacral stenosis diagnosed?

X-rays are poor for investigating lumbosacral stenosis, since the condition primarily involves the lumbosacral disc and regional nerves which are soft tissues that don’t show up on X-rays. MRI scanning is the best method for investigating many spinal conditions, including lumbosacral stenosis. It provides detailed information on the location and extent of any soft tissue compressions of the spinal nerves in the lumbosacral spine.

How is Lumbosacral stenosis treated?

The majority of dogs and cats with lumbosacral stenosis can be successfully managed without the need for surgery. It is often necessary to modify exercise with avoidance of strenuous activities that involve jumping, climbing, twisting and turning. Dogs should initially be walked on a lead (short distances frequently) and exercise should be gradually increased over a number of weeks. Overweight patients should be placed on a calorie restricted diet.

The majority of affected animals will benefit from receiving pain killing medications. Anti-inflammatory agents, neuropathic drugs and muscle relaxants may all be beneficial. Lumbosacral stenosis may also be managed by injecting a long-acting steroid around the compressed spinal nerves via a lumbar puncture. Repeat injections may be necessary in some patients.

Some patients with lumbosacral stenosis require surgery in order to relieve pain, hind limb lameness and other clinical signs. Removing bone from the top of the spine is referred to as a laminectomy, whilst enlarging the exit holes between the bones is referred to as a foramenotomy.

Neurological Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation therapy is a key component in helping aid the recovery from neurological diseases. Once the vet has diagnosed your pet and completed any surgeries, our team can can step in to aid the long road to recovery.

Initial therapy may include standing exercises, as well as range of motion exercises. These are complimented with pain control and toe pinch exercises. An important part of the retraining is aquatic rehabilitation. Often, with more severe cases, one of our trained neurological hydro therapists will assist the dog whist in our underwater treadmill.

Other exercises include balance exercises, core stability and spacial resistance band walking, physio-roll balancing and home specific exercises. In the hydrotherapeutic environments, the dogs will walk and train with resistance against the water, whether walking or swimming. We also use therapeutic electrotherapies to deep-heat muscles, cryotherapy and laser therapy to aid the recovery process.

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The content on this page is for advice and information only and does not represent veterinary guidance or direction. Please always consult a veterinary surgeon if you are worries about your dog.

Wobblers Syndrome

Condition Guide

Wobblers Syndrome

What is Wobblers Syndrome?

Wobblers Syndrome is the common term for ‘cervical spondylopathy’, due to the characteristic wobbly gait that many of these dogs develop. A slipped disc is secondary to wobblers but is a common combination. It is an uncommon condition involving abnormal development of the bones in the neck. The deformed bones may directly compress the spinal cord or cause soft tissues in the spine to thicken and compress the spinal cord.

What are the signs of Wobblers Syndrome?

Affected dogs may show signs of:

  • Weak or wobbly back legs
  • Scuffing paws and dragging toes
  • Choppy forelimbs
  • Hind limbs look disconnected
  • Neck pain
  • Reluctance to jump or climb
  • Low head carriage
  • Difficulty lowering the head to eat or drink
  • Inability to walk
  • Incontinence

How is Wobblers Syndrome diagnosed?

A neurological examination is necessary to detect evidence of spinal cord compression and neck pain. There are many other causes of neck pain and nerve injury in addition to wobblers. Normal X-rays of the neck may show deformity of the vertebrae. Advanced imaging techniques such as an MRI scan or a CT-myelogram scan are the preferred methods of investigating cervical spondylopathy.

How is Wobblers Syndrome treated?

Wobblers Syndrome tends to be a progressive condition. The abnormally formed vertebrae and associated instability cause soft tissue thickening and compression of the spinal cord. Most cases are managed surgically to try and prevent further injury to the spinal cord however there are some candidates where conservative management is preferred

Conservative treatment
When dogs with wobblers syndrome are managed conservatively, their exercise should be restricted with avoidance of unnecessary jumping and climbing. Short walks on a harness may be preferable to long periods of free exercise.

Surgery
The aim of surgery is to relieve the compression on the spinal cord. This may be done in one of two ways:

  1. The abnormal tissue can be cut away from the spinal cord
  2. The abnormal tissue may be stretched to reduce compression on the spinal cord

Stabilisation of the abnormal vertebrae may also be necessary.

Neurological Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation therapy is a key component in helping aid the recovery from neurological diseases. Once the vet has diagnosed your pet and completed any surgeries, our team can can step in to aid the long road to recovery.

Initial therapy may include standing exercises, as well as range of motion exercises. These are complimented with pain control and toe pinch exercises. An important part of the retraining is aquatic rehabilitation. Often, with more severe cases, one of our trained neurological hydro therapists will assist the dog whist in our underwater treadmill.

Other exercises include balance exercises, core stability and spacial resistance band walking, physio-roll balancing and home specific exercises. In the hydrotherapeutic environments, the dogs will walk and train with resistance against the water, whether walking or swimming. We also use therapeutic electrotherapies to deep-heat muscles, cryotherapy and laser therapy to aid the recovery process.

I'm ready to get some help for my dog

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The content on this page is for advice and information only and does not represent veterinary guidance or direction. Please always consult a veterinary surgeon if you are worries about your dog.

Cervical Disc Disease

Condition Guide

Cervical Disc Disease

What is Cervical Disc Disease?

Cervical disc disease is more commonly known as a ‘slipped disc’ in the neck. The discs are the structures between the bones of the spine that act as shock absorbers. They are best thought of as a soft centre inside a fibrous ring.

Discs in dogs degenerate as they get older – just like people. This process results in the discs becoming dehydrated and losing their cushioning effect. They may then ‘slip’ in one of two ways:

  1. The material in the centre of the disc can come out of the fibrous ring and injure the spinal cord (this is called a disc extrusion).
  2. The fibrous ring may thicken and compress the spinal cord (this is called a disc protrusion).

What are the signs of Cervical Disc Disease?

Affected dogs may show signs of:

  • Neck pain
  • Reluctance to jump or climb
  • Low head carriage
  • Difficulty lowering the head to eat or drink
  • Weakness or incoordination in all four limbs
  • Inability to walk (rare)
  • Incontinence (rare)

How is Cervical Disc Disease diagnosed?

A neurological examination is necessary to detect evidence of spinal cord injury and neck pain. Normal X-rays (radiographs) of the neck may reveal evidence of cervical disc disease, such as a narrowed disc space or a calcified disc. However, more advanced investigations are necessary to see which disc has actually slipped and to assess the severity of any spinal cord compression. Of these advanced imaging techniques, an MRI scan provides the best method of investigating cervical disc disease.

How is Cervical Disc Disease treated?

There are two ways to manage cervical disc disease.

Conservative treatment
When dogs with cervical disc disease are managed conservatively their exercise must be restricted. Short walks on a harness for toileting purposes may be necessary, with strict confinement at other times. The hope is that the ‘slipped disc’ will heal, any neck pain subside and the spinal cord recover from any injury. Painkillers may be necessary and possibly other drugs such as muscle relaxants.

Surgery
The aims of surgery are to remove any disc material that is compressing the spinal cord and to prevent any more disc material ‘slipping’. Decompressive surgery involves removing a section of bone from the bottom of the spine to enable retrieval of disc material. Further ‘slipping’ is prevented by removing any remaining material in the centre of the disc.

Neurological Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation therapy is a key component in helping aid the recovery from neurological diseases. Once the vet has diagnosed your pet and completed any surgeries, our team can can step in to aid the long road to recovery.

Initial therapy may include standing exercises, as well as range of motion exercises. These are complimented with pain control and toe pinch exercises. An important part of the retraining is aquatic rehabilitation. Often, with more severe cases, one of our trained neurological hydro therapists will assist the dog whist in our underwater treadmill.

Other exercises include balance exercises, core stability and spacial resistance band walking, physio-roll balancing and home specific exercises. In the hydrotherapeutic environments, the dogs will walk and train with resistance against the water, whether walking or swimming. We also use therapeutic electrotherapies to deep-heat muscles, cryotherapy and laser therapy to aid the recovery process.

I'm ready to get some help for my dog

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The content on this page is for advice and information only and does not represent veterinary guidance or direction. Please always consult a veterinary surgeon if you are worries about your dog.

Atlanto-axial Subluxation

Condition Guide

Atlanto-axial Subluxation

What is Atlanto-axial Subluxation?

The atlanto-axial joint is the joint between the first and second cervical bones in the neck, referred to as the atlas and axis respectively. It differs from the joints between the other vertebrae in that there is no ‘disc’ present. Instead, the atlanto-axial joint is stabilised by ligaments just like those in the joints in a leg. Subluxation of the atlanto-axial joint occurs when the normal alignment of the first and second vertebrae in the neck is disrupted. This results in excessive movement of this joint which can cause neck pain and pressure on the nerves of the spinal cord which runs through the tunnel created by the vertebrae.

What are the signs of Atlanto-axial Subluxation?

Affected dogs may show signs of:

  • Neck pain
  • Rigidity of the neck
  • Low head carriage
  • Difficulty lowering the head to eat or drink
  • Weakness or incoordination in all four limbs

How is Atlanto-axial Subluxation diagnosed?

A detailed neurological examination is necessary to detect evidence of spinal cord injury and possible neck pain. Investigations are then required to confirm atlanto-axial subluxation and distinguish it from many other neck problems. 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.

How is Atlanto-axial Subluxation treated?

The two ways to manage atlanto-axial subluxation.

Conservative treatment
This involves strict cage rest, application of a neck brace and giving painkillers. Maintaining a neck brace, often for several weeks, is very difficult and is poorly tolerated by many patients.

Surgery
The aim of surgery is to stabilise (fuse) the atlanto-axial joint in a normal position. This alleviates neck pain and enables the spinal cord to recover from injury. Atlanto-axial subluxation surgery should only be performed by experienced surgeons with advanced training.

Neurological Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation therapy is a key component in helping aid the recovery from neurological diseases. Once the vet has diagnosed your pet and completed any surgeries, our team can can step in to aid the long road to recovery.

Initial therapy may include standing exercises, as well as range of motion exercises. These are complimented with pain control and toe pinch exercises. An important part of the retraining is aquatic rehabilitation. Often, with more severe cases, one of our trained neurological hydro therapists will assist the dog whist in our underwater treadmill.

Other exercises include balance exercises, core stability and spacial resistance band walking, physio-roll balancing and home specific exercises. In the hydrotherapeutic environments, the dogs will walk and train with resistance against the water, whether walking or swimming. We also use therapeutic electrotherapies to deep-heat muscles, cryotherapy and laser therapy to aid the recovery process.

I'm ready to get some help for my dog

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Our friendly and skilled physiotherapists are ready to help you and your dog with their rehabilitation.

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The content on this page is for advice and information only and does not represent veterinary guidance or direction. Please always consult a veterinary surgeon if you are worries about your dog.