Radial Hemimelie in A Cat

A four-month-old, female, domestic short-hair cat was presented to Animal Hospital with an abnormal appearance and angular deformity of the left forelimb presented since birth. Clinically, the cat had moderate left forelimb lameness and stepped on her left forelimb with palmar surface of the metacarpus. Comparative examination of the forelimbs revealed a short right antebrachium, angular deformity of the ulna and absence of the radius. Ulnocarpal and intercarpal joint movements were limited.

At radiologic examination, the forelimbs demonstrated absence of the left radius. The ulna was thick and grasping the trochlea of the humerus and completing the proximal site of carpal joint. Moreover, the epiphysial growth plates were normal.

Based on the clinical and radiological finding, unilateral radial agenesis was diagnosed in this domestic short-hair cat. Because epiphysial growth plates were open, carpal arthrodesis surgery was postponed and re-examination of the cat was required from the owner after six month. It was not permitted by the owner due to toleration of the pathologies by the cat.