A Review on Etiopathogenesis and Medicinal Management of Ante Brachial Deformities in Growing Dogs

Abstract

The angular limb deformity of the forelimbs in dogs is a well-documented clinical entity and is defined as an axial deviation of limb in the frontal plane. Such ante-brachial deformities are frequently reported in growing dogs (Thorp, 1994). A high incidence of the condition has been reported in fast growing large breed dogs like Great Dane (Ramadan and Vaughan, 1978). Various workers have reported different causes for the ante brachial deformities. The most commonly reported cause being the premature closure of the growth plates (Guthrie and Pead, 1992). Trauma to the limb with or without radiographically visible fracture can induce such closures of the physis (Oi?½Brien, et al., 1971). The distal ulnar physis is the most frequently reported site for such physeal premature closures. This leads to reduced growth of the ulna predisposing to carpus valgus, cranial bowing of radius, carpal laxity, and carpal and elbow subluxation (Johnson et al., 1995).Angular deformities are also seen in association with metabolic bone diseases such as hyperptrophic osteodystrophy, retained cartilage core and nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism (Riser and Shirer, 1965). Though the exact etiopathology of bone deformities are not clearly understood, in such conditions enlargement of metaphyses of long bones and thinning of cortices are seen, which in turn may lead to bending and bowing of the limbs. Further, retention of cartilage may also cause local disturbance in the bone growth and may produce limb shortening and angular deformities (Burk and Ackerman, 1986). These metabolic disturbances may also lead to variable degree of carpal laxity (Probst and Millis, 1994). Studies on the incidence of angular deformities are limited. Available literature shows only sporadic occurrences of such deformities. Singh et al (2008) reported 23.28 % incidence of angular deformities in the growing dogs of less than one year age.