Abstract
The object of our study is to test a method of surgical correction of tibial dysplasia in miniature dachshunds. Six cases in five dachshunds with deformity of the hindlimb(s) were successfully corrected. Closed and open wedge osteotomies were compared, and open wedge osteotomy had the advantage of less shortening of the hindlimb and quicker bone adhesion after surgery. Morphologic analysis of normal tibiae of 14 average dachshunds was helpful in planning the surgery and in checking the knee joint during the operation. For fixation after surgical correction, we used an IMEX circular external fixator hybrid construct, which consists of one ring and several half pins. The device enabled us to cut off a bone tip at a more distal part of the tibra, which lessened the axis distortion, restoring the dogs' appearance to almost normal. In all six cases, lameness disappeared by postoperative day 14, and motor function seemed to be improved after removal of the device.
