Case Study

CT – Craniocervical subluxation and stenosis due to a congenital malformation in a 4 month old MN ferret

This 17 week old MN ferret presented for ataxia and paresis of the hind limbs and to a lesser extent the front limbs. Apparently has had some ambulation deficits since at least 6 weeks of age

Pgysical exam: extreme pain on palpation of neck and skull

This 17 week old MN ferret presented for ataxia and paresis of the hind limbs and to a lesser extent the front limbs. Apparently has had some ambulation deficits since at least 6 weeks of age

Pgysical exam: extreme pain on palpation of neck and skull

DX

The computed tomographic findings are compatible with a complex craniocervical subluxation and stenosis due to a congenital malformation comprising partial atlantooccipital fusion, partial aplasia of the atlas arch and hypoplasia of the Dens axis.

Image Interpretation

CT of the cervical spine –

Complex craniocervical stenosis due to rightsided fusion of the atlas to the occipital bone, hypoplasia of the Dens of the axis and craniodorsal displacement of the axis with respect to the atlas and occipital bone is noted. The ventral suture of the atlas is not fused. There is aplasia of the right side of the atlas arch. The vertebral canal diameter is reduced by 50 %. Medullary compression and severe medullary kinking has to be assumed at the atlantooccipital transition.