Lozier JW, Niehaus AJ, Hinds CA. Closing wedge ostectomy with transfixation pin-cast stabilization for correction of angular limb deformities of the metatarsophalangeal region in four cattle.
J Am Vet Med Assoc 2020;
255:1047-1056. [PMID:
31617800 DOI:
10.2460/javma.255.9.1047]
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Abstract
CASE DESCRIPTION
4 calves were evaluated because of lameness and an angular limb deformity of the metatarsophalangeal region.
CLINICAL FINDINGS
3 calves (ages, 5 days, 10 days, and 1 month) had a congenital varus deformity of the metatarsophalangeal region characterized by medial subluxation of the first phalanx of digits 3 and 4 at the metatarsophalangeal joints. A 6-month-old heifer had a valgus deformity of the metatarsophalangeal region secondary to a malunion of a Salter-Harris type II fracture. The degree of deformity angulation ranged from 16° to 54° for the 4 patients.
TREATMENT AND OUTCOME
A closing wedge ostectomy with transfixation pin-cast application was performed on the affected limb of all 4 patients. The ostectomy healed with only minor complications (disuse osteopenia distal to the transfixation pins [n = 4] and cast sores [1]) that were easily resolved with no long-term adverse effects. Duration of follow-up for the 4 patients ranged from 6 to 17 months, and the owners reported satisfactory ambulation with no (n = 2) or only mild (2) residual lameness in the affected limb.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
Results suggested that a closing wedge ostectomy with transfixation pin-cast stabilization is an alternative for management of angular limb deformities of the metatarsophalangeal region in cattle. Such treatment improved the quality of life for all 4 patients. However, 2 of the 4 patients had congenital deformities confirmed to be heritable. There are ethical concerns associated with treating animals with heritable disorders, and exhibition and breeding of such animals should be avoided.
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