Canine partial tarsal arthrodesis using laterally applied hybrid locking pancarpal arthrodesis plates: complications and outcome.

Objective: To describe the use of hybrid locking pancarpal arthrodesis plates (HLPCAPs) for partial tarsal arthrodesis (parTA) in dogs and document complications and clinical outcome.

Animals: Medical records of dogs that underwent parTA between March 2020 and April 2024 were reviewed. Dogs were included if they underwent parTA (performed with a laterally applied HLPCAP). Dogs were excluded if no follow-up could be identified, bilateral approaches were made, or an implant other than a HLPCAP was used as the primary mode of fixation.

Clinical presentation: All dogs were presented for hind limb lameness, secondary to tarsal instability.

Results: 13 dogs (16 parTAs) were included. Intraoperative complications were reported in 2 of 16 cases. All dogs were weight-bearing at early reexamination. Postoperative biologic complications were reported in 2 of 16 cases: both minor complications. Radiographic assessment at reexamination revealed mechanical complications in 2 of 16 cases. A median bone activity score of 2 (range, 1 to 3) was reported. A total of 7 of 13 online questionnaires were completed (median follow-up time, 25 months). Owners assessed their dog's quality of life as good, very good, or excellent.

Clinical relevance: The major complication rate following parTA with HLPCAPs in this study was lower than the complication rate for parTA in previous studies with other implants. A prospective clinical trial with objective long-term assessment and comparison to a different type of implant should be performed to determine the most appropriate implant for parTA.