The use of veterinary cuttable plates for carpal and tarsal arthrodesis in small dogs and cats.

The objective of the study was to evaluate, retrospectively, carpal and tarsal arthrodesis in small dogs and cats by using veterinary cuttable plates in 6 animals and comparing those with arthrodesis stabilized with other implants in 9 animals. Veterinary cuttable plates were used for 1 pancarpal, 2 partial tarsal, and 3 pantarsal arthrodeses. Other implants were used to stabilize 1 pancarpal, 6 partial tarsal, and 2 pantarsal arthrodeses. In the veterinary cuttable plates group, complications included 2 cases with pressure sores and 1 case with screw loosening. One animal was lost to follow-up and 4 of the remaining 5 were always weight-bearing. In the other group, there were 2 cases with pressure sores, 1 case with dermatitis, and 2 cases with pin migration. Six out of 9 animals were always weight-bearing. The use of veterinary cuttable plates appears to be a suitable option with a good clinical outcome.