Objective: To report surgical treatment of a complete luxation of the atlantoaxial articulation with a 4.5-mm T-locking compression plate (T-LCP) in a horse.
Study design: Case report.
Animals: A one-year-old American quarter horse filly.
Methods: A one-year-old American quarter horse filly presented with a complete luxation of the atlantoaxial articulation. Closed and open reduction of the luxation were attempted under general anesthesia with the aid of a pulley system. Because the manual reduction was unsuccessful, the dens axis was excised, and the atlas and axis were stabilized with a 4.5-mm T-LCP. Four 5.5-mm cortex screws were placed across the atlantoaxial articulation in lag fashion to provide additional stability.
Results: The horse made an uneventful recovery from surgery and remained comfortable thereafter. Nine months postsurgery, the filly had developed normally and did not show any sign of ataxia or reduced mobility of the cranial neck.
Conclusion: The described surgical approach resulted in the successful stabilization of a complete luxation of the atlantoaxial articulation in an American quarter horse yearling, with a favorable outcome.
Clinical significance: Complete atlantoaxial luxation is associated with a poor prognosis for survival in horses. This is the first report of a favorable outcome after surgical stabilization. The described approach presents a valuable alternative to the manual reduction of atlantoaxial luxation in horses.
© 2019 The American College of Veterinary Surgeons.