Dorsal atlantoaxial stabilisation (DAAS) has mostly been described to treat atlantoaxial instability using low stiffness constructs in dogs. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and surgical outcome of a rigid cemented DAAS technique using bone corridors that have not previously been reported. The medical records of 12 consecutive dogs treated with DAAS were retrospectively reviewed. The method involved bi-cortical screws placed in at least four of eight available bone corridors, embedded in polymethylmethacrylate. Screw placement was graded according to their position and the degree of the breach from the intended bone corridor. All DAAS procedures were completed successfully. A total of 72 atlantoaxial screws were placed: of those, 51 (70.8%) were optimal, 17 (23.6%) were suboptimal, and 4 (5.6%) were graded as hazardous (including 2 minor breaches of the vertebral canal). Surgical outcome was assessed via a review of client questionnaires, neurological examination, and postoperative CT images. The clinical outcome was considered good to excellent in all but one case that displayed episodic discomfort despite the appropriate atlantoaxial reduction. A single construct failure was identified despite a positive clinical outcome. This study suggests the proposed DAAS is a viable alternative to ventral techniques. Prospective studies are required to accurately compare the complication and success rate of both approaches.

A three‐year‐old male neutered French Bulldog presented with acute respiratory failure following a period of progressive non‐ambulatory tetraparesis and generalised reduced muscle tone and spinal reflexes. Acute idiopathic polyradiculoneuropathy was suspected. Deep sedation and mechanical ventilation were required for a 40‐hour period, after which the dog was successfully weaned off mechanical ventilation. Two earlier attempts to wean were unsuccessful due to ongoing intercostal muscular paresis and, hence, hypercapnia. Non‐ambulatory tetraparesis remained with progressively improving muscular tone and mobility up to discharge from hospital 10 days following admission. Clinical management of the respiratory failure is described in detail and is the focus of this report.

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