SYMMETRICAL BILATERAL BRACHYMETACARPALIA OF A DOG

Malformations of the canine manus are infrequently cited in the litera ture but include polydactylia and syndactylia. Here, a case of brachym etacarpalia affecting the second and fifth metacarpal bones of both fo relimbs of a mixed-breed dog is described. The initial impression of s hortened digits was disproved by statistical comparison with normal sk eletons, but the presence of shortened metacarpal bones was demonstrat ed. Other malformations of the manus and appropriate terminology are b riefly discussed.