Summary
Twenty-four dogs (27 limbs) were evaluated after surgery for correction of forelimb
angular limb deformities. Partial ulnar ostectomies or definitive corrective osteotomies
were performed depending upon the age of the dog. According to owner assessment nine
of fourteen limbs were considered functionally good, or excellent, after partial ulnar
ostectomies. Younger dogs appeared to have better functional results after dynamic
correction with the mean age at surgery of dogs with good to excellent results being
6.5 months contrasted to the mean age at surgery of dogs with fair to poor results
being 9.75 months. Ten of fourteen limbs were considered functionally good or excellent
after definitive corrective osteotomy. One dog had definitive osteotomy after partial
ulnar ostectomy in order to further correct a residual angular deformity. However,
58% of the limbs with radiographic follow-up had signs of degenerative joint disease
(DJD). There were not significant differences between neither degree of angulation
remaining after surgery and the functional result nor the degree of angulation remaining
after surgery and the development of DJD. A prospective study is warranted to more
objectively assess the efficacy of surgical correction of angular limb deformities
in dogs.
Twenty-four dogs were evaluated after surgery for correction of forelimb angular limb
deformities. The results are described.
Keywords
Premature closure - growth plate
