Clinical and radiographic aspects of metacarpal remodeling secondary to a rubber band (latex) compression in a dog

ABSTRACT

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders are a common complaint in veterinary small animal casuistic. Along with fractures, degenerative and of carcinogenic etiology are the most frequent and radiographic lesion pattern at these diseases isrelative well defined. However, traumatic lesions, considering its innumerous possibilities, may cause unusual clinical andradiographic signs which will delay diagnosis and consequently, adequate treatment. A case of bone osteolysis caused bya compressive trauma by a rubber band is described with its clinical, laboratorial and radiographic aspects.Case A 2-year-old female dog was attended at the Veterinary Hospital of the Dom Bosco Catholic University (UCDB),with main complaint being an unresponsive to treatment lesion at the left thoracic limb. At physical examination it wasobserved lameness of the left thoracic limb with an ulcerative lesion at the palmar surface. At the center of the ulcer a 0.3cm line shaped yellow object was identified, similar to a rubber band. Traction was made and the object distended 5 cmwithout breaking nor leaving the injury. Showing signs of discomfort, the patient was then sedated for further manipulation. A blood sample for complete blood count and serum biochemistry was collected and radiographic image of the leftcarpometacarpal-phalangeal region was acquired. Blood analysis revealed moderate thrombocytopenia with an unremarkable serum biochemistry profile (alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, creatinine and urea). It was observedmetacarpals with increased radiopacity in bone tissue in the mid-diaphysis topography of the II, III, IV and V metacarpalbones, presence of bone remodeling with radiolucent area and slight bone loss (osteolysis) in the mid-diaphysis associatedwith discrete sclerosis of the medullary cavity of the II, III and V metacarpals. The patient was submitted to surgery and a3 cm incision was made following the way...