Congenital deformity of the distal extremities in three dogs

Feline Skeletal Reference Guide: A Cadaveric Radiographic Measurement on Lower Limb Extremities

OBJECTIVE

 The aim of this study was to create a feline reference database for the length, width and slenderness (length to width ratio) of metacarpal and metatarsal bones, radius and tibia.

STUDY DESIGN

 Radiographs of the radius, tibia, metacarpus and metatarsus were performed in domestic short hair cat cadavers (n = 40). Length and width of the aforementioned bones were measured in mature domestic shorthair cats and bone slenderness (length/width) and index ratios calculated.

RESULTS

 A significant skeletal sex dimorphism exists in cats, with bones of the metacarpus, metatarsus, radius and tibia generally longer and wider in male cats compared with female cats, with differences frequently significant. The most significant difference was identified for the width of Mc5 (p = 0.0008) and the length and width of Mt5 (p = 0.0005). Index ratios for length and width of radius to metacarpal bones, and tibia to metatarsal bones, were not significantly different between male and female cats, except for Mc5. The index ratio for Mc5 was significantly higher in male cats (p = 0.002).

CONCLUSION

 The present study provides insights into the normal length and width of distal forelimb and hind limb bones as well as bone index ratios in mature domestic shorthair cats. Using this information, it is now possible to quantitatively assess the relationship between these bones in domestic cats using radiography. This will assist not only with the diagnosis and categorization of skeletal abnormalities but can also guide surgical interventions of metacarpal and metatarsal bone fractures.

Four Unusual Cases of Congenital Forelimb Malformations in Dogs

Simple Summary

Congenital limb defects are sporadically encountered in dogs during normal clinical practice. Literature concerning their diagnosis and management in canine species is poor. Sometimes, the diagnosis and description of congenital limb abnormalities are complicated by the concurrent presence of different malformations in the same limb and the lack of widely accepted classification schemes. In order to improve the knowledge about congenital limb anomalies in dogs, this report describes the clinical and radiographic findings in four dogs affected by unusual congenital forelimb defects, underlying also the importance of reviewing current terminology.

Abstract

Four dogs were presented with thoracic limb deformity. After clinical and radiographic examinations, a diagnosis of congenital malformations was performed for each of them. In one case, a deformity involving both the radial and ulnar side of the distal limb was observed. Based on clinical and radiological evaluations, a diagnosis of postaxial terminal longitudinal ulnar hemimelia was performed. The term ectrodactyly was used to refer different malformations characterized by skin and soft tissue separation of the distal forelimb observed in two dogs. Simple complete uncomplicated syndactyly of the right forelimb, and complex incomplete uncomplicated syndactyly of the left forelimb were diagnosed in the fourth case. To the authors’ knowledge, ectrodactyly and simple complete uncomplicated syndactyly are very uncommon anomalies in companion animals and have been rarely documented. Moreover, postaxial terminal longitudinal ulnar hemimelia has still not been reported in dogs.

Fetal teratogenicity in a rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta): Association with the chronic maternal treatment of amitriptyline

Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant commonly prescribed in humans for pain and sleep disorders and in non-human primates for self-injurious behaviors. Here, we report a clinical case on the teratogenic effect of maternal-fetal amitriptyline exposure.

Surgical Ectrodactyly Repair Using Limb-lengthening and Bone Tissue Engineering Techniques in a Toy Dog Breed

BACKGROUND/AIM

Bone tissue engineering is an emerging field of regenerative medicine that holds promise for the restoration of bones affected by trauma, neoplastic diseases, and congenital deformity. During the past decade, bone tissue engineering has evolved from the use of biomaterials that can only replace small areas of damaged bone, to the use of scaffolds in which grafts can be seeded before implantation. This case report proposes an alternative option for a veterinary patient suffering from ectrodactyly, which is one of several congenital deformities in dogs. A 2-month-old male toy poodle dog with ectrodactyly was treated using several stages of surgery involving pancarpal arthrodesis, limb lengthening, and bone tissue engineering techniques.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

Over a period of 2 years, the operated limb gained almost the same function as the contralateral limb. Bone tissue engineering techniques can be used for the treatment of congenital deformities in dogs.