Traumatic Atlanto‐Occipital Luxation in a Cat

Abstract

Traumatic atlanto‐occipital luxation was diagnosed in a cat that presented with right hemiparesis. The luxation was reduced by manipulation, and the head and neck immobilized for eight weeks with a splint formed from aluminum rod. Clinical neurologic recovery was complete.

Dorsal surgical stabilisation using tension bands for treatment of traumatic atlanto‐occipital instability in a cat

“…AO luxation usually results in significant neurological injury with non‐specific clinical signs. In previous reported cases, gait dysfunction was present: ataxia, hemiparesis, tetraparesis and tetraplegia . Spinal reflexes were always increased.…”

“…4 Cranial nerves can be damaged. Anisocoria, 1 transient nystagmus 3 and lingual paresis 5 were also reported. In the human literature, it is reported that trauma causing AO luxation can consequently cause brainstem lesions that result in cranial nerve deficits.…”

“…1 There are few reports in the veterinary literature of traumatic AO luxation in dogs and only one description in a cat, which was treated by conservative management. [1][2][3][4][5][6] This report describes the surgical management of an AOI in a Persian cat associated with fracture of the left wing of the atlas subsequent to a dog bite.…”

Traumatische atlantookzipitale Dislokation bei einem Kalb

“…Letzteres konnte bei dem hier vorgestellten Tier nicht beobachtet werden. Das aufmerksame Kalb zeigte eine schlaffe Lähmung aller Gliedmaßen, wobei in Seitenlage noch leichte Ruder - (2,3,5,9,17). Bei einer Ziege traten die Ausfälle auf, nachdem sie an den Hörnern festgehalten und gezogen worden war (16).…”

Tetraparesis, Hemiparesis, and Ataxia

“…[266][267][268][269][270] The luxations can be managed with conservative therapy in which the luxation is manual reduced and a cast with the neck in flexion is applied or with surgical stabilization. Traumatic luxations of the occipitoatlantal articulation are rare.…”