Aim: To determine whether working dogs in New Zealand with carpal injuries and treated with unilateral pancarpal arthrodesis (PCA), using a dorsal hybrid-plating method, are able to return to satisfactory working ability.
Methods: Fourteen working dogs presented to the Veterinary Specialist Group (VSG) and the Massey University Veterinary Teaching Hospital (MUVTH) with carpal injuries were prospectively treated using dorsal hybrid plating. Dogs were eligible if actively involved in farm, hunting or police work. Dogs had a standardised PCA surgical procedure performed, and similar instructions for post-operative care were provided. Dogs were re-evaluated clinically and radiographically at 6 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery. A questionnaire was completed by 12 owners, to assess each dog's working ability.
Results: Twelve months following arthrodesis, 10/12 (83%) dogs could perform most or all duties normally. Eleven owners (92%) reported that the result of the surgery met their expectations, and nine owners (75%) were very satisfied with the outcome of the surgery. No owners were disappointed or very disappointed with the surgical outcome. Post-operative complications requiring surgical removal of the implant occurred in three (25%) dogs.
Conclusions: Unilateral PCA using a standardised surgical procedure and dorsal hybrid plating of carpal injuries has a good prognosis for working dogs in New Zealand to return to work.
Clinical relevance: These results may allow veterinarians to provide a more accurate prognosis to owners of working dogs that have debilitating carpal injury.