Disorder - Split hand

Organ Systems Involved
Musculoskeletal

Alternative disorders described within LIDA

Syndactyly; Ectrodactyly-ectodermaldysplasia; Cleft palate syndrome

Alternative Names
Cleft hand/manus; Lobster claw deformity; Ectrodactyly; Hypodactyly; Oligodactyly

Presenting Signs

Split hand is the abnormality where the paw becomes split or cleft into two before birth. Sometimes the digits on each side of the cleft are joined as well. Also, often one or more of the bones in the affected area are absent. This results in a ‘lobster claw’ like appearance which usually affects the front paw(s).

Apart from the physical appearance of a cleft and fewer digits on the affected paw, animals are usually able to walk, run and jump normally. However, they may experience climbing difficulties because the number of claws is reduced (corresponding to the fewer digits). In addition, the unusual conformation may be associated with abnormal weight bearing, which in the long term can result in arthritis.

Treatment

None. Unlike in dogs where surgical treatment is possible, such treatments have not been reported in cats. Since affected cats do not appear to be in pain and are able to move normally, surgical correction is considered unnecessary.

PubMed References
Split hand

Contributor
Bee Sze Koh