Carpus

This report describes the successful management of a carpal hyperextension injury in a cat using combined temporary transarticular internal and external skeletal fixation, without performing an arthrodesis. To our knowledge, there have been no previous reports of management of feline carpal hyperextension injuries in this fashion.

Objective-To determine whether carpal brace application is a viable treatment for dogs with unilateral carpal ligament instability. Design-Retrospective case series. Animals-14 client-owned athletic dogs. Procedures-Medical records were reviewed to identify dogs treated with abrace for unilateral carpal valgus or varus instability between August 2008 and August 2011. Treatment included passive motion and isometric strengthening exercises during brace application. Results-Of the 14 dogs, 11 were considered to have returned to normal function; 11 of 12 dogs returned to agility competition.

Case Description-A 6-year-old neutered female mixed-breed dog was evaluated because of a 6-week history of left forelimb lameness that varied in severity. Clinical Findings-Radiography revealed expansile and lytic changes of the left accessory carpal bone (ACB). Results of histologic evaluation of ACB core biopsy specimens indicated areas of bone necrosis. The entire left ACB was excised and submitted for histologic evaluation; results confirmed a diagnosis of idiopathic ischemic necrosis.

A 4-year-old male Labrador retriever dog was evaluated for acute lameness without weight-bearing in the right forelimb after an 8-meter fall. Radiographs revealed a comminuted fracture of the ulnar carpal bone that required removal of bone fragments. This appears to be the first report of such a condition.