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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
1   Department of Surgery, Small Animal Clinic, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Berne, Berne, Switzerland
,
A. Jaggy
2   Department of Neurology, Small Animal Clinic, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Berne, Berne, Switzerland
,
Y. Malik
1   Department of Surgery, Small Animal Clinic, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Berne, Berne, Switzerland
,
J. Howard
3   Clinical 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
1   Department of Surgery, Small Animal Clinic, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Berne, Berne, Switzerland
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received:24 September 2008

Accepted:17 January 2009

Publication Date:
17 December 2017 (online)

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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
 

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