Bilateral radial hemimelia, polydactyly and cardiomegaly in two cats

Summary

Case Description: Two feline littermates were presented to the Auburn University Small Animal Clinic at the age of approximately 10 weeks. Both cats had varus thoracic limb deformities bilaterally and pelvic limb polydactyly.

Clinical Findings: Radiographs revealed bilateral radial hypoplasia (hemimelia), generalised cardiomegaly, and pelvic limb polydactyly.

Treatment and Outcome: No treatment was instituted. Cardiopulmonary changes will be monitored periodically.

Clinical Relevance: The heritability of radial hemimelia has been suggested, but has yet to be proven. In utero environmental causes (teratogens) are another possible cause of congenital radial hemimelia. The presence of bilateral pelvic limb polydactyly, bilateral radial hemimelia, and generalised cardiomegaly in feline littermates may offer more information on the origins of this orthopaedic disorder and the potential undesirable results that can occur when breeding polydactyl cats or cats affected by radial hemimelia.

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