Osteotomy for Correction of Premature Growth Plate Closure in 24 Dogs

Abstract

SummaryTwenty-four dogs (27 limbs) were evaluated after surgery for correction of forelimb angular limb deformities. Partial ulnar ostectomies or definitive corrective osteotomies were performed depending upon the age of the dog. According to owner assessment nine of fourteen limbs were considered functionally good, or excellent, after partial ulnar ostectomies. Younger dogs appeared to have better functional results after dynamic correction with the mean age at surgery of dogs with good to excellent results being 6.5 months contrasted to the mean age at surgery of dogs with fair to poor results being 9.75 months. Ten of fourteen limbs were considered functionally good or excellent after definitive corrective osteotomy. One dog had definitive osteotomy after partial ulnar ostectomy in order to further correct a residual angular deformity. However, 58% of the limbs with radiographic follow-up had signs of degenerative joint disease (DJD). There were not significant differences between neither degree of angulation remaining after surgery and the functional result nor the degree of angulation remaining after surgery and the development of DJD. A prospective study is warranted to more objectively assess the efficacy of surgical correction of angular limb deformities in dogs.Twenty-four dogs were evaluated after surgery for correction of forelimb angular limb deformities. The results are described.