[Traumatic atlanto-occipital dislocation in a calf].

In a 7-week-old calf neurologic symptoms occurred after an accident in the feeding grid. The calf was alert but in left lateral recumbency. After having been placed on its right side it showed a sideward drift to the left. Following head movement, an asynchronous movement of the eyes could be observed. Lesions of the upper motor neuron system, N. vestibulocochlearis, Nn. oculomotorius, trochlearis and/or abducens as well as N. vagus were suspected. Radiological examination of the occipital region and cervical spine revealed an atlanto-occipital subluxation of the atlas. Based on all these findings, the diagnosis of traumatic atlanto-occipital dislocation was made and the calf was euthanized. The pathological findings confirmed this diagnosis.