The aim of this research was to present a variation of the ventral technique access to the atlantoaxial joint, for treatment of atlantoaxial instability with no section of sternothyreoid muscle. Fifteen dogs, with weight between 8 and 12kg, were randomly distributed in three groups denominated one (30 days), two (60 days) and three (90 days) for daily clinical evaluations. The atlantoaxial joint was submitted to the arthrodesis through the ventral access using pins of Steinmann associated to acrylic resin. The access and exhibition of the atlantoaxial joint with no section of the sternothyreoid muscle was obtained without complications or additional limitations. No dog of this research presented coughing, dyspnea, regurgitation, laryngeal paralysis or Horner's syndrome. It can be concluded that the section of sternothyreoid muscle is an unnecessary procedure and that there is is no interference in the exhibition of atlantoaxial joint and arthrodesis approach of dogs through ventral access.
atlantoaxial arthrodesis; sternothyreoid; neurology; dog
