Two cases of brachymelia in cats

In this report, two cases of brachymelia in related neonatal cats are described. The malformations are described in view of normal limb development, which is illustrated by scanning electron microscopic images. Hypoplasia and aplasia of the distal limb segments were the main disorders in both kittens. Additional malformations in the second case included fusion of the radius and ulna, congenital patella luxation and a shortened tail. Brachymelia and similar cases of feline dysmelia are poorly documented in the existing literature. Possible causes and terminology of these developmental deformations are discussed.