A Case of Second Phalanx Fracture and Anonychia in an English Setter Dog

Abstract

Anonychia is a rare disorder in which all the finger nails and the toenails are absent without significant bone anomalies. In this case report, A 2-year-old male English Setter dog with a history of lameness in hindlimb was evaluated. In physical examination, deformity involving the second digits of the left hind paw was observed. No reducing weight on the affected limb was noticed during standing, while left hind limb lameness was noted in walking. No muscle atrophy was observed. The nail of second digit was absent. Absence of third phalanx and fracture of second phalanx on digit II were detected in radiographic examination. Second phalanx disarticulation of digit II and removal of second paw were performed. Marked improvement in locomotion was observed following the surgery. This report shows a rare deformity in a dog that it is compatible with aphalangia or adactyly. Reconstructive surgery of this deformity resulted with significant improvement in limb function.