Dropped-head syndrome in a dog secondary to myopathy of the cervical extensor muscles

Abstract

A 4-year-old, male, entire Newfoundland was presented for investigation of an acute onset cervical ventroflexion and pyrexia, 4 days following a hip replacement surgery. Neurological examination confirmed prominent cervical ventroflexion characterised by an inability to raise the head, without evidence of cervical hyperaesthesia or associated neurological deficits. Magnetic resonance imaging identified focal, bilaterally symmetrical changes to the semispinalis cervicis musculature, responsible for elevation of the head. The presentation and diagnostic imaging findings appeared analogous to dropped-head syndrome in humans. Toxoplasma IgG antibodies were found to be mildly elevated, and therefore treatment with clindamycin was initiated. The dog responded well to treatment and was reported to be clinically normal 2 months thereafter.