Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Correcting twisted back feet in dachshunds with mini external fixators
By Chau, L & Wilson, L·Published in Australian veterinary journal·2022·Veterinary Specialist Service, Australia·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Pes varus correction in dachshunds with mini hybrid external skeletal fixators.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 20 dachshunds with a condition called pes varus (where the feet turn inward) underwent surgery to correct the deformity. The procedure involved cutting the bone in the lower leg and using a special external fixator to stabilize it. After the surgery, most of the dogs (90%) no longer showed signs of lameness, and any knee problems they had also resolved. The surgery was successful, with all the bones healing well within 6 to 12 weeks, and the dogs were able to walk normally again.
People also search for: dachshund pes varus treatment · dog lameness surgery recovery · external fixator for dog leg deformity
Abstract
AIM: To evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcome of pes varus deformity correction in dachshunds managed with acute medial opening wedge osteotomy of the distal tibia and stabilised with a mini hybrid external skeletal fixator (HESF). METHODS: Surgical correction involved a transverse osteotomy over the premeasured location at the distal tibia and application of a IMEX mini HESF. All corrections were evaluated using centre of rotation and angulation methodology. RESULTS: Medical records and radiographies of 20 dachshunds (28 pes varus corrections) were reviewed. All osteotomies healed and fixators were removed between 6 and 12 weeks. Lameness resolved in 18 dachshunds (90%) and significantly improved in two dachshunds (10%). Lateral patella luxation (LPL) was detected in 11/28 (39.2%) of the involved pelvic limbs, all of which resolved following pes varus correction. Mean frontal plane alignment (FPA) of the normal and abnormal tibiae were 12.3° valgus (range: 4°-18°) and 25° Varus (range: 16°-41°) respectively. Angular correction ranged between 30° and 50° (Mean: 39°) and the mean post-operative FPA was 13° valgus (range: 5°-21°). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Pes varus deformity in dachshunds can be corrected by medial opening wedge osteotomy of the distal tibia stabilised by HESF. Single-session bilateral pes varus corrections can also be performed with minimal morbidity. LPL was commonly detected in dogs with pes varus deformity and all resolved spontaneously following pes varus correction alone.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34907526/