Summary
Forelimb deformity caused by radial agenesis was diagnosed in a one-year-old Shih
Tzu dog. In contrast to most of the previously reported cases of radial agenesis,
the humeroulnar joint was inherently stable. The deformity was treated by means of
a one-stage ulnocarpal arthrodesis with the application of an eight hole dorsolateral
arthrodesis bone plate and autogenous corticocancellous bone graft from the ilial
wing. Radiographic evaluation at the eighth and sixteenth post-operative week showed
evidence of union of the arthrodesis. At sixteen weeks post-operatively, the dog had
much improved limb function. In humans afflicted with radial agenesis, ulnocarpal
arthrodesis is used to restore forearm function by minimizing pain and decreasing
the magnitude of angular deformity and instability at the level of the ulnocarpal
joint. However, to our knowledge, this is the first report of treatment of radial
agenesis in the dog by means of a one-stage, ulnocarpal arthrodesis.
Keywords
Radial agenesis - ulnocarpal arthrodesis