Sindactilia complexa incompleta em husky siberiano: relato de caso

Abstract

Dysostoses are genetic conditions characterized by abnormal growth of individual bones or bone segments, with syndactyly defined as the partial or complete fusion of two or more contiguous digits. This condition involves the union of soft and/or bone tissues, with varying degrees of digit involvement. This study aims to report a clinical case of incomplete complex syndactyly in the thoracic limb of a seven-month-old female Siberian Husky, correlating clinical, radiographic, and therapeutic findings. The primary complaint was progressive lameness. General physical examination identified weight-bearing lameness in the left thoracic limb, and specific physical examination revealed a soft tissue union in the palmar region of the affected limb. Radiographic examination showed a partial fusion in the distal aspect of the proximal phalanges of digits three and four, with adjacent soft tissue union, as well as the absence of defined middle and distal phalanges, a single bone structure in a diagonal position, and incomplete ossification of digit five from the mid-metacarpal region. Based on clinical and radiographic findings, incomplete complex syndactyly was diagnosed. This diagnosis in a Siberian Husky of this age highlights the unusual occurrence of this condition in animals of this breed, marking this as the first report of such a case in this breed. It is concluded that syndactyly, besides being rare due to its late presentation and partial digit fusion, underscores the importance of precise diagnosis to differentiate it from other dysostoses and avoid unnecessary treatments. Additionally, syndactyly should be included in differential diagnoses for dogs with limb morphological changes, with or without associated lameness.