Disorder - Brachydactyly

Organ Systems Involved
Musculoskeletal

Alternative disorders described within LIDA

Adactylia; Metacarpal hypoplasia

Alternative Names
Hypodactyly; Hypophalangia; Digit hypoplasia

Presenting Signs

Brachydactyly is an abnormal shortness of one or more digits. It is possible that mostly the outer toes are affected. Limbs that have failed to develop normally often have irregular or incomplete growth of some parts of the limb. Affected cats can therefore show signs varying from a mild to a severe deformity, and lameness causing the animal to avoid weight-bearing.

Treatment

Surgical or medical: The treatment depends on the severity of limb deformity and the animal’s ability to move around normally. If the defect will result in uneven growth of the limb, a splint can be applied during growth (i.e. until the animal is four to five months). If the defect is mild, no further care is needed. If the defect is affecting function, however, reconstructive surgery or amputation may be indicated.

Contributor
Jessica Privett