Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2018; 31(05): 379-384
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1651518
Case Report
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Bilateral Radial Agenesis in a Cat Treated with Bilateral Ulnocarpal Arthrodesis

Alla Bezhentseva
1   Department of Clinical Sciences, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, North Grafton, Massachusetts, United States
,
Harpreet Singh
1   Department of Clinical Sciences, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, North Grafton, Massachusetts, United States
,
Randy J. Boudrieau
1   Department of Clinical Sciences, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, North Grafton, Massachusetts, United States
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

29 November 2017

01 April 2018

Publication Date:
20 June 2018 (online)

Abstract

Objective This article describes corrective antebrachiocarpal re-alignment and arthrodesis for bilateral radial hemimelia (radial agenesis) in an 8-month-old domestic short-haired cat.

Methods Bilateral forelimb deformity of ulnocarpal varus with complete luxation and rotation of the antebrachiocarpal joint spaces, and joint contracture, was observed. Several carpal bones and metacarpal bones I and II and their associated phalanges were absent. Abnormal ambulation and weight bearing on the dorsolateral part of the manus were present. The deformities were treated by bilateral distal ulnar ostectomy and ulnocarpal arthrodesis using a 2.0-mm locking compression plate applied with hybrid fixation and allograft.

Results Successful deformity correction was obtained with subsequent fusion of the antebrachiocarpal joints. No complications were observed. At long-term follow-up (4.75 years), there was good-to-excellent functional result, with approximately 15° internal rotation of the right forelimb manus and shortened stride with slight circumduction and lameness. All implants remained stable and continued bone remodelling was present. The cat was assessed to have good-to-excellent short- and long-term functional results with excellent owner satisfaction.

Clinical Significance Treatment of radial agenesis in the cat has previously been limited to conservative management or limb amputation. While there are several reports of corrective limb-sparing procedures used to treat dogs, this is the first report of a cat with successful salvage corrective surgery.

Authors Contributions

Randy J. Boudrieau contributed to conception of study, study design, and acquisition of data and data analysis and interpretation. Harpreet Singh contributed to study design and acquisition of data and data analysis and interpretation. Alla Bezhentseva contributed to acquisition of data and data analysis and interpretation. All authors drafted and revised and approved the submitted manuscript.


 
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