Bilateral angular forelimb deformities in a four month old Newfoundland

• Main Author: Spencer, Magdalena Hale
• Format: Report
• Language: English
• Published: 2008
• Subjects: Dogs > Abnormalities > Treatment > Case studies; Dogs > Surgery > Case studies; Newfoundland
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/1813/12964

A four month old, intact, male Newfoundland presented with a one month history of progressive, bilateral forelimb lameness. Physical examination was unremarkable, but orthopedic examination revealed bilateral radius curvus, carpal valgus, decreased elbow ROM and pain on movement of both elbows. Radiographs confirmed boney changes consistent with the clinical diagnosis of premature closure of both distal ulnar physes. Distal ulnar ostectomies were performed with the physes submitted for histopathology, which showed segmental growth plate changes consistent with early closure. Radiographs taken on recheck examinations showed inadequate correction of the elbow incongruity and, combined with a lack of improvement in clinical signs, a second surgery was recommended. Proximal, bilateral ulnar ostectomies were performed and the left elbow incongruity self-corrected with the ostectomy. There was insufficient improvement in the congruity of the right elbow and, consequently, a two-ring fixator was placed on the right ulna to allow for proximal distraction of the proximal ulna. Elbow pain, range of motion, and forelimb lameness improved significantly in both limbs following recovery from the second surgery.