Summary
A five-month-old, female Basset Hound was presented for lameness associated with a
fused 3rd and 4th digital pad on the left hind limb (simple incomplete syndactyly), and secondary contracture
of the deep digital flexure tendon of the 3rd and 4th digit. An onychectomy of the third phalanx of the third and fourth digits was performed.
Following the operation, the dog gained good use of the affected limb for one month
until intermittent non-weight bearing lameness developed. A second surgery was performed
six months later, partially removing the second phalanx of digits three and four.
Follow-up reports indicate that the dog is doing well and is without lameness. This
is the first report of deep digital flexor tendon contracture and surgical treatment
of this complication in canine simple syndactylism.
Keywords
Syndactyly - dog - deep digital flexor tendon - contracture