Pancarpal arthrodesis with medial plate fixation following amputation of metacarpal II in a dog with extensive digital squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract

A 10‐year‐old, male neutered, Scottish Terrier was referred for progressive right forelimb lameness attributed to a firm spherical mass in the location of a previous digit I amputation, performed 13‐months prior to presentation. Radiographs revealed a well‐defined expansile lytic bone and soft tissue mass obliterating metacarpal I with smooth periosteal proliferation along metacarpal II. Excisional biopsy confirmed digital squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) with incomplete margins. Curative‐intent surgical resection of the medial aspect of the carpus with amputation of metacarpal II and subsequent pancarpal arthrodesis (PCA) with medial plate fixation were performed. Local tumour control was effective with no recurrence noted within a 14‐month follow‐up and long‐term functional outcome was deemed good. This is the first report of en‐bloc excision of the medial carpus including metacarpal II for digital SCC with medial plate fixation for arthrodesis, as an alternative to limb amputation.