Syndactyly and polydactyly in a mixed-breed dog

Polydactyly is the congenital presence of one or more extra digits. The extra digit often does not contain a full complement of bones. Unilateral syndactyly and polydactyl mixed-breed dog was used as a case study. A three-month old unvaccinated intact female mixed breed dog weighing 8 kg, presented with a deformity of the left forepaw was used for this study. The deformity had been present since birth according to the owner. During physical examination the dog was given a lameness score of 0/5 for the affected limb. A complete blood count, and serum biochemistry did not reveal any abnormalities. Radiographs of both distal forelimbs were obtained. These showed Fused 2nd and 3rd metacarpal bones, a rudimentary metacarpi and a hypoplastic digit located on the axial side of the distal end of the left forelimb. As a result of the lameness score of 0/5 and the owner’s lack of interest, a decision was made to monitor the condition and consider surgery once the dog had grown larger. It seems this is the first case of polydactyly associated with syndactyly and the rudimentary metacarpal bone.