A Multicenter Retrospective Review of Laterally Plated Partial Tarsal Arthrodesis in Dogs and Cats

To report complications and long-term outcomes of partial tarsal arthrodesis (ParTA) in dogs and cats.Retrospective observational study.Medical records (2016-2023) were reviewed for cases with tarsal instability treated with ParTA using laterally applied plates. Data collected included signalment, concurrent orthopedic disease, surgical technique, postoperative complications, and outcomes. Long-term outcome was assessed using the canine brief pain inventory (CBPI) and feline musculoskeletal pain index (FMPI).A total of 34 dogs and 9 cats met the inclusion criteria. The overall complication rate in dogs was 22/34 with a major complication rate of 15/34. Plantar necrosis had an incidence of 1/34. Major I complications (6/34) required partial or complete explantation, revision partial tarsal or pantarsal arthrodesis. Incidence of surgical site infection was 11/34. Minor complications occurred in cats 5/9, including mild rotational deformity, while only 1/9 cats had a major complication (rotational deformity) requiring revision surgery. Long-term follow-up was available in 21/34 dogs and 6/9 cats. Canine outcomes were excellent or very good in 14/21 dogs. The mean FMPI was 3/36 indicating very good long-term outcome.Although canine ParTA has high major complication rate, 14/21 dogs had an excellent or very good long-term outcome. Cats had a low major complication rate and very good long-term outcomes.