Non-selective cutaneous sensory neurectomy as an alternative treatment for auto-mutilation lesion following arthrodesis in three dogs.
OBJECTIVE
To describe an alternative method for the treatment of non-responsive self-mutilation injuries in three dogs after carpal/tarsal arthrodesis.


METHODS
Case series


METHODS
Two dogs with carpal injury and one dog with tarsal injury treated by arthrodesis


METHODS
All dogs developed self-mutilation injuries due to licking and/or chewing of the toes within 21-52 days of surgery. Clinical signs did not resolve within one week after conservative treatment with wound debridement and protective bandages. Following general anaesthesia, a deep horseshoe-shaped skin incision, including the subdermal tissue, was performed proximal to the self-mutilation injury transecting the sensory cutaneous afferent nerves. The skin incision was closed with simple interrupted sutures.


RESULTS
All wounds healed without complication. Self-mutilation resolved completely within 24 hours after surgery in all dogs. No recurrence was observed (5 months to 3 years).


CONCLUSIONS
Non-selective cutaneous sensory neurectomy may lead to resolution of self-mutilation following arthrodesis in dogs.


CONCLUSIONS
Failure of conservative treatment in self-mutilation injuries often leads to toe or limb amputation as a last resort. The technique described in this case series is a simple procedure that should be considered prior to amputation. The outcome of this procedure in dogs self-multilating due to neurological or behavioral disturbances unrelated to carpal or tarsal arthrodesis is not known.
Forterre
F
F
Department of Surgery, Small Animal Clinic, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Berne, Länggasse 128, CH-3012 Berne, Switzerland. frank.forterre@kkh.unibe.ch
Jaggy
A
A
Malik
Y
Y
Howard
J
J
Rüfenacht
S
S
Spreng
D
D
D000818:Animals; D001174:Arthrodesis / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D050824:Carpal Joints / Q000601:surgery; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000523:psychology / Q000601:surgery*; D004285:Dogs; D007839:Functional Laterality; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D008297:Male; D012652:Self Mutilation / Q000601:surgery*; D012867:Skin / Q000294:innervation*; D013640:Tarsal Joints / Q000601:surgery