Abstract
Dislocations of the extremities (361 altogether) of 344 animals were ascertained at the Veterinary Clinic and Polyclinic for Small Animals, FU Berlin, between 1991 to 1997. The majority of dislocations in dogs and cats pertain to the hip joint, followed by the carpal, tarsal, elbow and shoulder joints.
Dislocation of the articulatio humeri in dogs was only diagnosed as the congenital form. Dachshunds, poodles and small terriers appear to be predisposed in this respect. A medial dislocation was most commonly found. The therapy procedure recommended is biceps tendon transposition.
Dislocation of the articulatio cubiti was observed in both dogs and cats. The congenital form was rare and only seen in the dog. In cases of luxatio antebrachii traumatica in dogs the lateral form was most frequent, whereas in cats the caudal direction occurred more conspicuously. The approach is primarily conservative for both animals. The chances of success are good. Should an operation prove necessary, osteoarthritis may be expected as an undesirable later consequence.
A dislocation in the region of the carpal joint was discerned more frequently in cats than in dogs. Older animals are more frequently affected. The cause of injury is usually jumping or falling from a height. Where dogs are concerned, it is predominantly the larger breeds which are afflicted. In the majority of cases involving dogs, the carpometacarpal articulations are affected, in cats the antebrachiocarpal articulations. The injury has to be treated by surgery. Panarthrodesis is clinically indicated for antebrachiocarpal articluation injuries. Reconstructive replacement of the ligament may be possible in individual cases, depending on the structure of the injury. Injuries of the distal joints of both dogs and cats should be subject to partial arthrodesis.
Dislocation of the ossis femoris was the commonest form of dislocation, usually in the craniodorsal direction in both dogs and cats. Dogs of less than 20 kg were mainly affected. Conservative treatment, regardless of the direction of dislocation, is the most appropriate unless a fracture contradicts this procedure. Even the tiniest fragments are an absolute indication of required surgery. The joint capsule should be stitched, reinserted, strengthened or supplemented during the operation, depending on the nature of the damage.
In the region of the tarsal joint, the dislocation of tarsometatarsal articulations is conspicuous in dogs, and of tarsocrural articulations in cats. Fully grown animals are affected. The dislocation can be taken care of by operative means. Ligament procedures as well as partial arthrodesis are procedures of choice.
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