Evaluation of diagnosis and treatment options for distal extremity lesions in cats and dogs

Traumatic injuries of the distal extremities in cats and dogs affect tendons, ligaments, bones and joint structures. These multiple injuries of the distal extremities are very common. In this study, 308 patients with distal extremity lesions were examined. In 36% (49 cases) of patients with carpal and tarsal joint lesions, MRI and CT were used to classify the lesions. We found that the use of MRI and CT especially in the diagnosis of lesions of the carpal and tarsal joints enables the selection of the most ideal technique in patients, shortens the operation time and increases the success rate. Im pin application, Linear type II external fixator, screw and plate applications were used in fractures and luxations in the joints. Clinical and radiographic examinations were performed in all patients on the 0th, 15th, 30th, 60th and 90th days after the operation. In Achilles tendon injuries, 3-loop pulley sutures were used for primary tendon repair in 55% of the cases. Functional successful results were obtained in cases in which joint stabilisation was performed without tendon repair. In fracture cases, mineralised callus was detected in an average of 9 weeks. In our external fixation cases, the material was removed after an average of 8 weeks. In carpal and tarsal joint lesions, stabilisation of the joint was performed using Im pin, external fixation and plate. There was no significant difference in the healing process of the patients in our stabilisation results compared to arthrodesis. In the comparison of joint stabilisation in terms of complications, the complication rate of our stabilisation applications was lower than arthrodesis.