Correcting angular limb deformities of radius-ulna and tibia in nine dogs using computer-assisted spider frame system

In this study, angular deformities in 9 dogs, including 8 antebrachium and 1 tibia, were corrected using hexapod external fixators with the help of the computer-aided Spider Frame system.Preoperative planning included measurement of craniocaudal and mediolateral angular deformities, rotational deformity, length deficit, as well as determination of the source of the deformity and assembly of the frame.Joint lines and osteotomy/ostectomy lines were determined according to CORA points determined during preoperative measurements. Proximal and distal rings were placed. After the installation of the spider, radial/ tibial osteotomy/ostectomy was performed at the CORA point of the radius/tibia. After the operation, craniocaudal and mediolateral radiographs were taken in all cases. Ring dimensions, angular deformity values (including angulation, translation and rotation) and the degree of shortening were evaluated by radiographs. These data were entered into the web-based Spider software to generate correction prescriptions, after which the length and deformity correction process started on postoperative days 3-5. Functional results were excellent in seven cases and good in the other two cases. Long-term cosmesis was good to excellent in all cases.In conclusion, Spider Frame is a new generation external fixator system with many technical advantages and we recommend its use in appropriate cases

Correction of Angular Deformities with Ilizarov External Fixator in Dogs

In this study, ten dogs with different breed, ages and genders were used for treathment of angular deformities. The limb deformities were discovered from the mediolateral and craniocaulal images of the preoperative radiographs. Apex of the deformity and the deformity plane were determined using graphical methods. Following ulnar ostectomy, rings were fixed to the distal and proximal segment of radius mall cases. After fixation of the wires to the ring. radial osteotomy was performed. Deformations were corrected immediately in two case and progressively in eight cases. Latency period ranged from 3-7 days (in immature dogs 3-5 days, mature dogs 5-7 days). A distraction rate of 1 mm day(-1) was used in all dogs. Distraction was performed twice daily in all dogs. Minor wire track inflamation occured in eight dogs with three dogs also having wire track infection. No post-operative neurological impairment was observed in any dogs. Follow-up evalution by clinical and radiological examination ranged from 95-150 days. Limb functions were assessed to be excellent in four dogs, good in four dogs and fair in two dogs

Treatment of a case of tracheal stenosis in a dog with tracheal resection and anastomosis

A case of tracheal stenosis in the cervical portion of the trachea was encountered in a 5.5-month-old St. Bernard-Rottweiler cross dog. Breathing difficulty was seen in the clinical examination and presence of an obvious narrowing between the 3rd-5th cervical tracheal rings was determined in the radiological examination. Under general anesthesia the portion with stenosis was resected and the healthy trachea ends were anastomosed using the split cartilage technique. In the postoperative period the breathing difficulty disappeared and there was no development of a new stenosis in the anastomosis region. In the late period check-up the patient was seen to lead a healthy life