TARSAL INJURIES IN THE CAT - A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY OF 21 CASES

A retrospective study of 21 surgically treated feline tarsal injuries showed that the degree of soft tissue trauma was the main parameter influencing the long term outcome. Generally, tarsal fractures could be successfully reconstructed and managed by internal fixation. Simple rupture of a collateral ligament could be sutured or treated with a suture prosthesis, resulting in a good long term result. Intertarsal instabilities were successfully treated by the application of miniplates resulting in stable ankyloses. Talocrural luxations evaluated in this study had a poor long term outcome. Further research is needed to show if alternative postoperative management involving early mobilisation and physiotherapy might improve the outcome of talocrural luxations with severely damaged soft tissues.