Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Working dogs in the UK after wrist fusion surgery and owner
By Higgins, Joseph & Hayes, Graham·Published in Acta veterinaria Scandinavica·2024·Kentdale Referrals, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Owner satisfaction and prognosis for return to work after pancarpal arthrodesis in working dogs in the United Kingdom: a retrospective study (2011-2020).
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of working dogs in the UK with carpal injuries underwent a surgery called pancarpal arthrodesis (PCA) to help them return to work. After the procedure, half of the owners reported their dogs could perform normal duties, while 40% said their dogs could do most tasks with some adjustments. Most owners noted little to no lameness afterward, and 90% were satisfied with the results and felt the surgery was worth the cost. However, dogs working on steep or uneven terrain may not do as well after surgery.
People also search for: dog carpal injury surgery · working dog recovery after PCA · dog lameness after surgery
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Pancarpal arthrodesis (PCA) is a commonly performed procedure in the UK. However, it is not known whether working dogs in the UK and other European countries with carpal injuries that have undergone unilateral PCA are able to return to working ability as determined by the owner. Medical records from a referral hospital in the UK were reviewed retrospectively for cases of working dogs treated using unilateral PCA. Case files and radiographs were retrospectively analysed for cause of injury, diagnosis, and complications. The ability of the dog to work after surgery and owner satisfaction with the outcome were assessed using telephone questionnaire. RESULTS: 50% (5/10, 50%) owners stated their dog could perform normal duties, 4/10 (40%) could perform most duties with some allowances. Outcome was not as good for dogs working on steep, uneven fell terrain. 80% (8/10, 80%) owners rated the level of post-operative lameness as unaffected with a normal gait. 90% (9/10, 90%) owners were either very satisfied or satisfied with the outcome of the procedure, and 90% owners stated the financial investment was worthwhile. CONCLUSIONS: Unilateral PCA carries a good prognosis for working dogs with high owner satisfaction. Caution should be advised for dogs expected to work on steep, uneven fell terrain.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39267066/