Medycyna Wet. 62 (6), 649-651, 2006
Altunatmaz K., Guzel O.
Carpal flexural deformity in puppies
The aim of the study was to present carpal flexural deformity cases in dogs, which are seldom reported in literature, from the clinical and biochemical point of view. Carpal flexural deformity was determined in a total of 31 puppies, of which 28 were brought to our clinic and 3 reported by a practicing veterinary surgeon. The puppy’s ages ranged between 6-24 weeks, and they belonged to 10 different breeds. Following clinical and radiological examination of the puppies, blood samples were taken and calcium, phosphorus and magnesium values were recorded. Slight increases in these mineral values were determined in some of the patients. A splint with a caudal aluminum support, padded with a large amount of cotton, was applied to all puppies with deformity. This splint was kept on for 10 days and repeated in some cases. The study indicated that lesions can be prevented by applying a light splint in the early stages of deformity and that when dietary planning with balanced commercial foods is enforced deformity does not recur in later stages.
Keywords: carpus, flexural deformity, dog