Long-term results of wrist fusion surgery in working dogs

Abstract

AIM: To determine the long-term prognosis for working dogs in New Zealand following pancarpal arthrodesis (PCA) utilising a dorsal hybrid plate. METHODS: Owners of 14 dogs who had a PCA performed as part of a previous study conducted at two small animal veterinary surgical hospitals were contacted via phone and asked to participate in a short survey. RESULTS: A phone survey was completed for seven dogs. Five of the seven dogs had returned to full work, one dog had a moderate persistent lameness that prevented returning to normal work and the remaining dog did not return to normal work for reasons unrelated to the study. Removal of the implants was required in four of seven cases at a median interval of 2 (min 0.5, max 2) years following surgery. One dog had no gait abnormality, but developed an occasional mild lameness after jumping, one dog had a constant gait abnormality with a moderate, persistent lameness, and the remaining five dogs had a constant gait abnormality with a mild, intermittent lameness. All owners contacted were very satisfied with the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Working dogs undergoing a standardised surgical procedure for unilateral PCA using a hybrid carpal arthrodesis bone plate applied dorsally have a good prognosis for return to work. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Although this study has a small number of cases, this study provides subjective longer-term follow-up data than previously reported for working dogs that have undergone PCA. Owners should be warned that plate removal may be required in approximately 60% of dogs and additional expenditure should be planned for.