Surgical induction of metacarpal synostosis for treatment of ectrodactyly in a dog

Ectrodactyly is a rare developmental anomaly of the distal part of the forelimb. It is characterized by the presence of an abnormal longitudinal soft tissue and osseous separation or cleft between the digits and the metacarpal bones. It can be associated with hypoplasia, aplasia and malformation of one or more bones of the antebrachium, carpus, metacarpus and digits. Unilateral ectrodactyly and moderate lameness were diagnosed in a young female dog. The dog was treated surgically with reconstruction of soft tissues and stabilization of the metacarpal bones by two nylon cerclage sutures. After three years a mild residual lameness was present. Radiographic signs of synostosis between the metacarpal bones II, III and IV with presence of a cleft between carpal bones II and III were observed.