Feline radial agenesis - Survey and call for cases
Figures 1 & 2.
Radial agenesis is a congenital condition in which either one or both forelimbs develop abnormally because the
radius is absent. Affected cats may present due to lameness or an obvious limb deformity (see Figure 1), but the
condition may be an incidental finding in cats presented for other reasons such as vaccination or desexing.
The condition is easily diagnosed on radiographs, which show the absence of one or both radii (see Figure 2
above)
We are investigating the prevalence and nature of this condition in Australia, possible association with other
physical abnormalities, aetiology and long term prognosis of these cats with and without surgical intervention.
Please help us by filling out the following survey, which should take between 30 seconds and five minutes
depending on whether you have or have not seen this condition previously.
1. Have you ever diagnosed a cat with radial agenesis? Chose one
If you circled “No”, please complete your contact details at the end of this survey.
If you circled “Yes”, please complete the following survey for each patient you have diagnosed with this
condition.
2. Date presented:
(dd/mm/yyyy)
3. Age of patient at initial presentation:
years
months
weeks
4. Gender : chose one
5. Breed (if domestic please specify whether DSH/DMH/DLH, and if possible coat colour and markings):
6. Affected parents: Chose one
If yes, which parent? chose one
7. Affected siblings (circle): Chose one
If yes, how many, what gender and what was the nature of their abnormalities?
8. Is information about the queen’s vaccination, medical and/or dietary history available? Chose one
For the patient presented to you:
9. What was the reason for clinical presentation? (circle or specify):
limb deformity
routine procedure (vaccination/desexing)
other: (please specify)
10. Which limbs were abnormal?:
a) forelimbs
chose one
b) hindlimbs chose one
11. Were concurrent abnormalities present?
kinked tail
Syndactyly (fused or webbed digits)?
Oligodactyly (the presence of fewer than normal digits)
Other? (please specify)
12. What treatment was offered?
corrective surgery (please specify type/technique below)
amputation of the affected limb
analgesia
benign neglect (i.e. owner to monitor)
euthanasia
other (please describe
13. What was the outcome?
14. If the cat remained intact, are you aware of any subsequent litters?
15. Are radiographs of the patient available for review?
Chose one
Chose one
16. Are clinical images or footage of the patient available for review?
Chose one
17. If you are happy for us to contact you for more about these cases, please provide your contact details
below.
Your assistance will be acknowledged in future publications.
NAME:
PRACTICE:
POSTAL ADDRESS:
PHONE NUMBER:
EMAIL ADDRESS:
FAX:
Please send your survey to:
Anne Fawcett at Sydney Animal Hospitals Inner West
T. (02) 9516 1466
F. (02) 9516 5398
or E. annefawcett@optusnet.com.au
Thank you.