Summary
The surgical treatment of talocrural luxation in nine cats was evaluated. Stabilisation of the joint was achieved by internal fixation of fractures and ligament replacement. A splint provided external support in eight cats and an external fixator was used in one. The support remained in place for three to seven weeks in five cats (group #1) but is was removed after ten days in four (group #2) and physiotherapy applied to the leg. Using a scoring system the repairs were assessed at 5-30 months, when cats in group #2 had better function and less DJD than those in group #1. Early mobilisation and weight-bearing may have favourably influenced this result.
The treatment of talocrural luxations in cats is reported. Early physiotherapy and mobilisation appeared to benefit the outcome.
Keywords
Tarsal luxation - early mobilisation - cat