Dorsal scapular luxation and its surgical treatment in a cat

Scapular luxation observed in small animals is caused by trauma-induced due to rupture of the muscles which connect the scapula to the thoracic wall (m. serratus ventralis, m. trapezius and m. rhomboideus) and as a result, dorsal dislocation of the scapula occurs. This rare type of luxation is more common in cats compared to dogs. The aim of this study is a long-term follow-up of surgical treatment in a cat with scapular luxation that treated surgically using cerclage wire. Caudal corner of the scapula was exposed by dissection of the infraspinatus and teres major muscles for open reduction and internal fixation. After reaching the area, two holes opened to the caudal corner of left scapula by one cm distance with drill tip and cerclage wire was passed through the first hole, through the sixth costa and the wire was tightened after taken from the second opening. In postoperative radiography right after surgery, pneumothorax was diagnosed as determined intra-operatively and iatrogenically, and thoracentesis was applied to the patient. There was no other complication in the cat that was followed for a long time postoperatively. According to the information obtained from the patient’s owner, the cat could use its extremity very comfortably even shortly after the operation, it has been found that there is no limping, except mild posture disorder. As a result, open reduction and internal fixation via using cerclage wire has good results and observed as a good treatment option in dorsal scapular luxation in cats