Non-selective cutaneous sensory neurectomy as an alternative treatment for auto-mutilation lesion following arthrodesis in three dogs.

Objective: To describe an alternative method for the treatment of non-responsive self-mutilation injuries in three dogs after carpal/tarsal arthrodesis.

Study Design: Case series

Animals: Two dogs with carpal injury and one dog with tarsal injury treated by arthrodesis

Methods: All dogs developed self-mutilation injuries due to licking and/or chewing of the toes within 21-52 days of surgery. Clinical signs did not resolve within one week after conservative treatment with wound debridement and protective bandages. Following general anaesthesia, a deep horseshoe-shaped skin incision, including the subdermal tissue, was performed proximal to the self-mutilation injury transecting the sensory cutaneous afferent nerves. The skin incision was closed with simple interrupted sutures.

Results: All wounds healed without complication. Self-mutilation resolved completely within 24 hours after surgery in all dogs. No recurrence was observed (5 months to 3 years).

Conclusion: Non-selective cutaneous sensory neurectomy may lead to resolution of self-mutilation following arthrodesis in dogs.

Clinical Relevance: Failure of conservative treatment in self-mutilation injuries often leads to toe or limb amputation as a last resort. The technique described in this case series is a simple procedure that should be considered prior to amputation. The outcome of this procedure in dogs self-multilating due to neurological or behavioral disturbances unrelated to carpal or tarsal arthrodesis is not known.