[en] Case summary: A 12-year-old neutered female domestic shorthair cat was presented with bilateral progressive forelimb lameness that was unresponsive to anti-inflammatory drugs. Bilateral carpal flexural deformity with hyperflexion of multiple toes of the right forelimb was observed. In the absence of abnormalities detected on radiographs and ultrasound, a bilateral contracture of the carpal and digital flexor muscles was diagnosed. Treatment consisted of single-session bilateral selective tenectomies (5 mm) of the flexor carpi ulnaris, flexor carpi radialis and superficial digital flexor muscle tendons on the left forelimb and tendons of the flexor carpi ulnaris muscle, and branches of the third and fourth digit of the deep digital flexor muscle on the right forelimb. Two months postoperatively, selective tenectomies (10 mm) were performed due to contracture recurrence on the left forelimb. The subjective outcome was rated as good 6 months postoperatively. Relevance and novel information Digital and/or carpal contractures are rarely described in (feline) veterinary medicine and are limited to a few case reports. The exact aetiology remains unknown. A traumatic/iatrogenic origin seems to be the most likely cause. Surgery is indicated, consisting of selective tenectomy and/or tenotomy, and is associated with minor complications and an excellent outcome. This case report describes the presence, treatment and successful outcome of a cat with bilateral carpal and digital flexor muscle contractures resulting in carpal flexural deformity with valgus deviation treated with selective tenectomies.
Research center :
FARAH. Médecine vétérinaire comparée - ULiège
Disciplines :
Veterinary medicine & animal health
Author, co-author :
Vrijsen, Emily ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département clinique des animaux de compagnie et des équidés (DCA) ; Small Animal Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
Hamon, Martin ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Clinique vétérinaire universitaire (CVU) > CVU : pôle des animaux de compagnie
Picavet, Pierre ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département d'Enseignement et de Clinique des animaux de Compagnie (DCC) > Chirurgie des animaux de compagnie
Bouvy, Bernard ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département d'Enseignement et de Clinique des animaux de Compagnie (DCC) > Chirurgie des animaux de compagnie
Balligand, Marc ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département d'Enseignement et de Clinique des animaux de Compagnie (DCC) > Chirurgie des animaux de compagnie
Language :
English
Title :
Bilateral contracture of the carpal and digital flexor muscles resulting in carpal flexural deformity in a cat
Publication date :
09 February 2023
Journal title :
Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery Open Reports
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