Case Study: Physical Rehabilitation

Physical Rehabilitation Using Therapeutic Exercise on an 8 Month Old Intact Male Miniature

Schnauzer Following Surgical Fixation of Acute Atlantoaxial Subluxation

Brittany Weicht

Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine

Class of 2021

Edited by Mark D. Freeman, DVM, Diplomate ABVP, CVA

Introduction

Cervical vertebrae one and two (atlas and axis, respectively) play a crucial role in normal movement of the head through a pivoting motion of C1 around the dens of C2. The intervertebral joint space lacks an intervertebral disc and the integrity of the joint is largely maintained by ligaments.1 Toy breed dogs are predisposed to instability of this joint2 and are likely to develop clinical signs consistent with neurologic deficit following trauma to a congenital lesion. The patient in this study was diagnosed with atlantoaxial subluxation and fracture of the dens following an acute trauma. The patient was immediately taken to surgery where a ventral slot was performed to stabilize the fracture, and multimodal postoperative pain management and rehabilitation were instituted to improve prognosis. Following three months of home exercise and weekly rehabilitation sessions, the patient has regained his ability to perform normal daily living activities and his guardians report they are very pleased with the outcome, especially given the initial guarded prognosis.

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