Korean Journal of Veterinary Service (한국동물위생학회지)

The Korean Society of Veterinary Service (한국동물위생학회)
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Diagnosis and treatment of the odontoid process fracture of the axis in a dog

강아지 고리뼈의 치아돌기 골절 진단과 치료

  • Hyoung Joon Park (Rang's Animal Hospital) ;
  • ShinHo Lee (Department of Companion Animal Care, Kyungnam College of Information & Technology) ;
  • Chung Hui Kim (Institute of Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University) ;
  • ChungKil Won (Institute of Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University) ;
  • Jae-Hyeon Cho (Institute of Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University)
  • 박형준 (랑스동물병원) ;
  • 이신호 (경남정보대학교 반려동물케어과) ;
  • 김충희 (경상국립대학교 수의학과 동물의학연구소) ;
  • 원청길 (경상국립대학교 수의학과 동물의학연구소) ;
  • 조재현 (경상국립대학교 수의학과 동물의학연구소)
  • Received : 2023.02.15
  • Accepted : 2023.03.10
  • Published : 2023.03.30
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Abstract

A 7-year-old dog weighing 3.9 kg visited the hospital with symptoms of inability to stand and quadriparesis. There were seizure symptoms 2 months before admission to the hospital, and the symptoms of stiffness and rigidity appeared. Radiographs showed normal vertebrae in cervical vertebral column. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) were performed immediately to diagnose vertebral lameness. As a result of the CT, it was possible to observe the fracture of the odontoid process of the axis, and the exact location of the damage was identified. The odontoid process was fractured and separated from the body of the 2nd cervical vertebra (axis), and fragment of the process was observed inside the vertebral arch of the first cervical vertebra (atlas), and the body of the axis was lifted to the dorsal side. The MRI examination reflected the CT findings and confirmed severe spinal cord compression due to the fracture of the odontoid process. The patient was applied by neck brace and medical management including Mycophenolate mofetil administration was performed. The patient was able to move legs and tail after 2 weeks, and was able to voluntarily defecate, urinate and stand up after 4 weeks of administration.

Keywords

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