Cutting-Edge Surgery Transforms Dog’s Battle with Carpal Osteoarthritis
Bailey, a four-year-old Labrador Retriever, was diagnosed with an angular deformity in his right carpus in 2020.
Initially, surgery was planned to correct this condition, but due to the COVID-19 lockdowns and subsequent restrictions, the procedure was postponed.
Unfortunately, during this period, Bailey's condition worsened significantly. The angular deformity led to severe carpal osteoarthritis, necessitating a more complex surgical intervention.
In 2023, Bailey was admitted to Dovecote Veterinary Hospital, where Orthopaedic Specialist James Pratt performed a combined angle correction and partial carpal arthrodesis (PCA) to address the deformity and the resulting arthritis. This advanced surgical procedure involved the use of cutting-edge technology to ensure precision and effectiveness.
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James, along with a highly trained surgical team, employed 3D-printed guides made by Bill Oxley at Vet3D to make precise cuts in the correct direction. These guides were tailored specifically for Bailey's unique anatomical structure, ensuring optimal accuracy. Following the bone cuts, a custom 3D-printed plate was used to align the bones correctly while the carpal joints fused. This approach not only facilitated the proper alignment of Bailey's carpus, but also promoted successful joint fusion, ultimately relieving the pain associated with osteoarthritis.
James, who is Head of Surgery at Dovecote said:
“Bailey's case highlights the importance of timely surgical intervention for angular deformities to prevent complications like osteoarthritis. The use of 3D printing technology in veterinary orthopaedics showcases the potential for more precise and effective treatments, offering hope for improved outcomes in similar cases.”
As veterinary medicine continues to advance, the integration of such innovative techniques will undoubtedly enhance the quality of care for the patients we treat here at Dovecote.”
Established in 1995, Dovecote Veterinary Hospital is an RCVS accredited multidisciplinary specialist small animal referral hospital. Over the years, Dovecote has added to its services and now offers specialist led Orthopaedics, Neurology and Neurosurgery, Oncology, Diagnostic Imaging- MRI, CT, X-Ray, Soft Tissue Surgery, Ear Nose and Throat, and Dermatology.