Biomechanical properties of the atlantoaxial joint with naturally-occurring instability in a toy breed dog. A comparative descriptive cadaveric study.

The biomechanical properties of the atlanto-axial joint in a young Yorkshire Terrier dog with spontaneous atlantoaxial instability were compared to those of another young toy breed dog with a healthy atlantoaxial joint. The range-of-motion was increased in flexion and lateral bending in the unstable joint. In addition, lateral bending led to torsion and dorsal dislocation of the axis within the atlas. On gross examination, the dens ligaments were absent and a longitudinal tear of the tectorial membrane was observed. These findings suggest that both ventral and lateral flexion may lead to severe spinal cord compression, and that the tectorial membrane may play a protective role in some cases of atlantoaxial instability.

Cholesterol granuloma as long-term complication of total ear canal ablation in a dog.

A 13-year-old cocker spaniel presented with pain on opening the mouth. History of a previous left total ear canal ablation with lateral bulla osteotomy, left intermittent facial palsy and left intermittent head tilt suggested progression of a total ear canal ablation with lateral bulla osteotomy complication. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a large mass arising from the tympanic bulla. Cytology of aspirates revealed a chronic suppurative inflammatory reaction and numerous cholesterol crystals. The mass was removed by surgical excision and an active drainage system was placed for a few days. The head tilt, facial palsy and apparent pain were resolved by the surgery. Physical examination was unremarkable nine months postoperatively. Bacterial cultures of the collected fluid were negative and histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of a cholesterol granuloma.