Nonunion of fractures in the dog

An investigation into the healing of experimentally produced fractures of the radius and ulna of miniature poodles is reported.
A comparison is made between the healing of fractures subjected to various postoperative regimes.
Résumé. Etude de la consolidation des fractures expérimentales du radius et du cubitus chez les caniches nains. Comparaison des résultats de différentes méthodes de traitement post-opératoire.
Zusammenfassung. Es wird über eine Untersuchung der Heilung experimentell verursachter Frakturen des Radius und der Ulna von Zwergpudeln berichtet.
Zwischen den Heilungserfolgen bei den Frakturen nach verschiedenen postoperativen Behandlungsweisen werden Vergleiche angestellt.     

Limb fractures in the dog and cat. VI. Complications of fractures in the dog

Abstract— A review is made of possible complications of fractures which may occur in the dog. The complications are classified and then the subject is dealt with under the headings of mal-union, delayed-union, non-union and prevention of complications. Emphasis is given to metallurgical problems and post operative care. Résumé— Un compte-rendu est établi sur les complications éventuelles des fractures qui pourraient arriver chez le chien. Les complications sont classifiées, le sujet est ensuite traîté sous le nom de mal-soudure, soudure-lente, non-soudure et prévention des complications. Les problème metallurgiques et les soins post-opérationnels sont soulignés. Zusammenfassung— Besprechung über mögliche Bruchkomplikationen, die bei Hunden und Katzen vorkommcn können. Die Komplikationen werden klassifiziert, wora ut die betreffenden Gegenstände unter den Titeln: schlech es Zusammenwachsen, verzögertes Zusammen wachsen, ausgebliebenes Zusammenwachsen und Komplikationsverhütung behandelt werden. Besonderes Gewicht wird auf metallurgische Probleme und postoperative Behandlung gelegt.     

Navicular bone fractures in the horse

Avulsion fractures from the distal border of the navicular bone are relatively common, but normally of little clinical significance. Other fractures are uncommon and have a poor prognosis. Surgical fixation of parasagittal fractures (lag screw) is technically quite difficult, but potentially improves the prognosis for return to work to about 80%. If surgical fixation is not possible, then farriery to raise the heels of the foot may be of benefit.     

Sixteen fractures of the shoulder region in the horse

The clinical and radiological features of fractures of the shoulder region in 16 horses are described. High quality radiographic views were essential for an accurate diagnosis. This sometimes necessitated general anaesthesia. The limitations of radiography are discussed. Nine horses had articular fractures of the supraglenoid tuberosity and eight of these were destroyed because of persistent lameness. The possibility of surgical removal of the fracture fragment(s) is discussed and the importance of early diagnosis emphasised. Seven other fractures of the shoulder region are described. The clinical outcome depended upon the location and nature of the fracture.     

A survey of bone fractures in the cat

A survey of 108 bone fractures in the cat was made over a 1 year period in a city practice in south west England. Seventy-three per cent involved the pelvic limb. The three bones most commonly affected were femur (38%), pelvis/sacrum (22%) and mandible (16%). Forty-five cases were the result of road accidents and 75% of cats were 2 years old or less.
Treatment of femoral shaft fractures by intramedullary pinning gave good results. The majority of proximal epiphyseal separations and femoral neck fractures responded well to conservative treatment. 'Cage rest' was used successfully to treat severely comminuted femoral shaft fractures. All cases of pelvic fracture were treated conservatively (up to 3 weeks 'cage rest'). Separation of the mandibular symphysis and fracture of the horizontal ramus healed readily. Repair of tibial (10%) and humeral (5%) fractures was without complications.     

Third tarsal bone fractures in the greyhound

Objective : To describe the signalment, morphology, response to treatment and prognosis of third tarsal bone fractures in the racing greyhound. Methods : All third tarsal bone fractures seen by the author over a ten year period were included in the study. Diagnosis was by radiography. Treatments were reconstruction with a lag screw, fragment removal, centrodistal joint arthrodesis or conservative management. Results : Twenty-three cases were included in the study of which 16 cases were recent and seven cases chronic fractures. The chronic cases had been rested from between three and six months before an examination for recurrent lameness. There were five concomitant second tarsal bone fractures. Partial dorsal collapse was present in four cases. Thirteen dogs had lag screw fixation; three were lost to follow-up, seven returned to racing and three, all with partial tarsal collapse, failed to return to racing. Two dogs that had a centrodistal joint arthrodesis and one dog treated by rest alone raced again. Two dogs that had fragment removal failed to return to racing. Clinical significance : Veterinary examination of greyhounds with third tarsal bone fractures is often not sought at the time of the initial injury due to the benign presenting signs. Recurrence of lameness after rest is common. The prognosis for a successful return to racing would appear to be good following fragment fixation in both acute and chronic cases without dorsal tarsal collapse. Centrodistal joint arthrodesis may encourage bone union. The prognosis for conconservatively treated cases is guarded. Fragment removal is not recommended as a treatment.     

Incomplete humeral condylar fractures in the dog

The details of eight dogs (11 elbows) referred to the authors with lameness relating to elbow pain associated with incomplete fracture of the humeral condyle were reviewed. In all cases, a diagnosis was reached by radiographic examination, with the pathognomonic feature being a radiolucent line, in the sagittal plane, through the condyle. Treatment involved placement of a transcondylar bone screw with or without bone tunnels being created parallel to this implant. Six dogs (nine elbows) made a complete recovery without subsequent complications.     

Metatarsal III fractures in the racing greyhound

During a five-year period, six single stress fractures of metatarsal Iii fractures were diagnosed in five greyhounds. All cases occurred while racing and without external trauma. Treatment by external support had previously been unsuccessful in three cases. However, surgical treatment permitted a prompt return to racing in all cases treated. The aetiopathogenesis of these fractures, the relative importance of the functional anatomy of the canine hock and the practice of racing greyhounds around tight curves are discussed.     

Single condylar fractures of the distal femur in the dog

Nine dogs with single condylar fractures of the distal femur are described. In eight of the nine animals the medial condyle had fractured. Trauma is important in the production of this fracture as seven of the nine affected animals had a clinical history of having been suspended by the affected leg and struggling to free it. Clinically, pain and collapse of the medial compartment of the joint were the most obvious features. Confirmation of diagnosis was obtained by radiography. In the case of fracture of the medial condyle a lateral view showing caudal displacement of the condyle was most useful. Once identified the condyle was replaced surgically using combinations of pins and screws. Secure fixation allowed healing of the fracture and a successful outcome.