Digital hamartoma resulting in a gait abnormality in a dog

Abstract A 9‐year‐old Brussels Griffon presented for assessment of a pendulous mass on the dorsal aspect of the third digit of the left hindlimb, following prior trauma to the area during a grooming visit. The primary veterinarian performed a fine needle aspirate of the mass, which revealed a mixed population of inflammatory cells. At presentation, the dog exhibited an abnormal gait of the left hindlimb, though orthopaedic or neurological examinations revealed no other abnormalities. The gait abnormality was suspected to be an adaptation to the presence of the mass. The mass was surgically excised, and histopathology confirmed a fibroadnexal hamartoma. Immediately after surgery, the dog continued to display the left hindlimb gait abnormality. However, following discharge, the dog returned to a normal gait without the need for additional physical therapy.