Digital flexor musculotendinous contracture in two Devon Rex cats.

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Pathology
• Genetics

Background:

• Acquired digital flexor musculotendinous contracture is a rare feline condition.
• Previous cases often linked to onychectomy and primarily affected tendons.

Observation:

• Two Devon Rex cats presented with bilateral forelimb contractures affecting carpi and phalanges.
• One cat had no prior onychectomy; the other underwent it 9 years earlier.
• Histopathology revealed fibromyositis of antebrachial muscles in one case.

Findings:

• Novel histopathologic findings in antebrachial muscles suggest a myopathic process.
• The condition occurred bilaterally, affecting carpus and digits, irrespective of onychectomy.
• Surgical tenotomy provided only transient relief in one case.

Implications:

• Suggests a potential immune-mediated myopathy or genetic predisposition in Devon Rex cats.
• Highlights the need for further investigation into the etiopathogenesis of feline forelimb contractures.
• Opens avenues for considering immunosuppressive therapies in future treatment strategies.