Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To describe a rare congenital deformity of the phalanges and the surgical details and outcome in a dog with ectrodactyly combined with polydactyly. STUDY DESIGN: Single case report. ANIMAL: A 3.5-month-old male intact mixed breed dog with forelimb lameness and paw malformations. METHODS: Surgery was performed on a dog with a congenital limb deformity consisting of resection of the extra bone and soft tissue structure to prevent further subluxation of the remaining metacarpals. Stabilisation consisted of a cortical screw in compression and a K wire across the proximal metacarpals. RESULTS: Postoperative radiographs showed adequate implant positioning and good reduction of the proximal metacarpal row. At six weeks, the dog showed improvement in limb function and weight bearing. Major complications occurred at twelve weeks, and revision surgery with implant removal was required. At six months, the dog showed near normal range of motion and no lameness. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The decision to perform surgery on a dog with limb deformity resulted in an almost physiological gait, and the dog showed no abnormalities in daily life. This report adds to the literature on congenital limb deformities by describing the combination of ectrodactyly and polydactylism in a canine species, including the surgical approach and outcome. However, the optimal management of this heterogeneous condition is currently unclear.