Preaxial longitudinal intercalary radial hemimelia in a dog: a case report

A 9-month-old 10 kg intact male crossbred dog was admitted to The Animal Medical Centre, Chonbuk National University with congenitally malformed right forelimb. Physical exanimation of the limb showed varus deviation of the forepaw and flexion contracture of the interphalangeal joints. The survey radiographs revealed complete absence of the radius, poor congruency of the humeroulnar joint and 90° varus deviation of the ulnocarpal joint. A preaxial longitudinal intercalary radial hemimelia was diagnosed and the dog underwent 3 surgeries for correction of the deformity. During the first surgery, olecranon osteotomy and arthrodesis of the elbow were performed. Three months later, a second surgery was done to perform carpal panarthrodesis using bone plate and screws which was unsuccessful. Two weeks after, with a third surgery carpal arthrodesis was performed using acrylic frame, the distal portion of limb was straightened and the residual deviation of the forepaw was corrected. The surgical corrections resulted in satisfactory use of the limb and a better quality of life.