Two cases of brachymelia in cats.
In this report, two cases of brachymelia in related neonatal cats are described. The malformations are described in view of normal limb development, which is illustrated by scanning electron microscopic images. Hypoplasia and aplasia of the distal limb segments were the main disorders in both kittens. Additional malformations in the second case included fusion of the radius and ulna, congenital patella luxation and a shortened tail. Brachymelia and similar cases of feline dysmelia are poorly documented in the existing literature. Possible causes and terminology of these developmental deformations are discussed.
Cornillie
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P
Department of Morphology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium. pieter.cornillie@ugent.be
Van Lancker
S
S
Simoens
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P
D000818:Animals; D002415:Cats / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000196:embryology; D000013:Congenital Abnormalities / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary; D017880:Limb Deformities, Congenital / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D011859:Radiography