Non-selective cutaneous sensory neurectomy as an alternative treatment for auto-mutilation lesion following arthrodesis in three dogs

F. Forterre; A. Jaggy; Y. Malik; J. Howard; S. Rüfenacht; D. Spreng

doi:10.3415/VCOT-08-09-0091

Veterinary and Comparative Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Table of Contents

Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2009; 22(03): 233-237
DOI: 10.3415/VCOT-08-09-0091

Case Report

Schattauer GmbH

Non-selective cutaneous sensory neurectomy as an alternative treatment for auto-mutilation lesion following arthrodesis in three dogs

F. Forterre

¹Department of Surgery, Small Animal Clinic, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Berne, Berne, Switzerland

,

A. Jaggy

²Department of Neurology, Small Animal Clinic, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Berne, Berne, Switzerland

,

Y. Malik

¹Department of Surgery, Small Animal Clinic, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Berne, Berne, Switzerland

,

J. Howard

³Clinical Laboratory, Small Animal Clinic, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Berne, Berne, Switzerland

,

S. Rüfenacht

⁴ Department of Dermatology, Small Animal Clinic, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Berne, Berne, Switzerland

,

D. Spreng

¹Department of Surgery, Small Animal Clinic, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Berne, Berne, Switzerland

› Author Affiliations

Abstract

Summary

Objective: To describe an alternative method for the treatment of non-responsive self-mutilation injuries in three dogs after carpal/tarsal arthrodesis. Study design: Case series Animals: Two dogs with carpal injury and one dog with tarsal injury treated by arthrodesis Methods: All dogs developed self-mutilation injuries due to licking and/or chewing of the toes within 21–52 days of surgery. Clinical signs did not resolve within one week after conservative treatment with wound debridement and protective bandages. Following general anaesthesia, a deep horseshoe-shaped skin incision, including the subdermal tissue, was performed proximal to the selfmutilation injury transecting the sensory cutaneous afferent nerves. The skin incision was closed with simple interrupted sutures. Results: All wounds healed without complication. Self-mutilation resolved completely within 24 hours after surgery in all dogs. No recurrence was observed (5 months to 3 years). Conclusion: Non-selective cutaneous sensory neurectomy may lead to resolution of self-mutilation following arthrodesis in dogs. Clinical relevance: Failure of conservative treatment in self-mutilation injuries often leads to toe or limb amputation as a last resort. The technique described in this case series is a simple procedure that should be considered prior to amputation. The outcome of this procedure in dogs self-multilating due to neurological or behavioral disturbances unrelated to carpal or tarsal arthrodesis is not known.

Keywords

Neurectomy - sensory nerve - automutilation - arthrodesis

Full Text

References

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