Bone fractures in dogs: A retrospective study of 129 dogs

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to evaluate 129 dogs with different breed, age and sex admitted to the clinic of Department of Surgery, Anesthesiology and Radiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University over a 2-year period with different kinds of fractures. Thorough clinical and radiographic examinations were performed to all animals. The results revealed that German shepherd dogs (74.41%), immature dogs below 1 year of age (80.62%) and male dogs (57.36%) were the most susceptible to fractures. The percentages of fractures of the hind limb (48.06%) were the most common location of the fractures on animals followed by forelimb fractures (28.68%) then pelvic fractures (20.16%) and fractures of the mandible (3.1%). Femur fractures (27.13%) were the most common long bone fractures followed by tibia/fibula (15.5%) then radius/ulna (11.63%) and humerus (10.08%). About 79.84% of animals were treated by gypsona (42.72%), cross pins (22.33%), plate and screws (18.45%), intramedullary pins (14.56%) and wiring (1.94%). Satisfactory results were reported in 86.40% of treated animals and post-operative complications were reported in 13.60% of animals. It was concluded that immature and male dogs were more susceptible to bone fractures. Most of fixation methods are successful when basic principles of fracture repair are followed.