Pes varus correction in dachshunds with mini hybrid external skeletal fixators

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Orthopedics
• Canine Surgical Procedures
• Limb Deformity Correction

Background:

• Pes varus deformity is a challenging orthopedic condition in dachshunds.
• Accurate assessment and surgical correction are crucial for functional recovery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of pes varus correction in dachshunds.
• To assess the efficacy of medial opening wedge osteotomy stabilized with a mini hybrid external skeletal fixator (HESF).

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 20 dachshunds (28 corrections) with pes varus.
• Surgical correction via medial opening wedge osteotomy of the distal tibia.
• Stabilization using a mini hybrid external skeletal fixator (HESF) and center of rotation/angulation methodology.

Main Results:

• All osteotomies healed within 6-12 weeks.
• Lameness resolved in 90% of dachshunds; significantly improved in 10%.
• Lateral patella luxation (39.2%) resolved post-correction; mean angular correction was 39°.

Conclusions:

• Medial opening wedge osteotomy stabilized by HESF is an effective treatment for canine pes varus.
• Bilateral corrections can be performed simultaneously with low morbidity.
• Pes varus correction alone resolved concurrent lateral patella luxation.