Injuries are common for aggressive dogs, and the femur is located on the upper part of the hind legs, just below the hip, and is critical for supporting weight and movement. Femoral fractures have a high incidence, with fractures of the femoral neck, greater trochanter, femoral shaft, and distal femur. Femoral shaft fractures are more common in adult animals, whereas diaphysis and femoral neck fractures are more common in juvenile animals.

Dalmatian Dog

Symptoms: Femoral shaft fractures are often accompanied by displacement of fracture fragments or broken ends, and the affected limbs of animals are shortened and unwilling to move. The fracture site is swollen to varying degrees, especially in the medial thigh. Passive movement has a feeling of bone friction. When the femoral head is fractured, the animals can still bear part of the weight on the affected limb, and the limp situation is not as severe as the diaphyseal fracture, the hip can be slightly swollen, and the bone friction sound can be heard.

1. Medical history:

A male Schnauzer, named Rui Rui, aged one year old, immune and Completely dewormed, two days ago when the owner took him out to play, he fought with the big dog. After being bitten by the big dog, he limped while walking. No other injuries were found on his body. There was no wound and no further treatment was done. The next day, it was found that the hind limbs were swollen and could not touch the ground and could not walk normally. He felt that the situation was serious and brought him to the hospital for examination.

2. Clinical examination:

At the initial diagnosis, it was found that the dog's right hind limb was dragged behind, unable to lift, and unwilling to move. The diaphysis is fractured, there is a friction sound at the broken end of the bone, the outer part of the femoral shaft is swollen, and the skin is not damaged. Since the injury, the dog has a normal diet and a good mental state. It is not very painful when palpated. More detailed examinations are carried out below to determine the condition.

3. Imaging examination:

According to the results of the above imaging examination, the distal femoral shaft fracture was diagnosed, which cannot be cured by external fixation alone. Surgery is required for treatment. Based on preoperative biochemical examination, and overall physical assessment, the dog was rated as grade 2 (mild risk) preoperatively. It is recommended that pet owners choose inhalation anesthesia to reduce the risk of surgical anesthesia. Preoperative infusion to adjust body fluid balance. Give atropine to stop bleeding.

4. Surgical process:

1.) Inhalation anesthesia was used for surgery after induction with sutai.

2.) Baoding, hair preparation, disinfection, wound fixation, surgical isolation

3. ) Cut the skin along the middle of the femur on the right knee, and cut the tendons membrane, bluntly separate the vastus lateralis and biceps femoris along the direction of the muscle groove, and directly expose the fractured end of the femur. Intraoperative hemostasis to avoid injury to blood vessels.

4.) Clamp the two broken ends with bone tongs, and the assistant pulls the right lower limb to make the broken ends return to normal and close together as much as possible.

5.) Make sure that the fracture ends are basically anastomotic and then bite with a rongeur, select the appropriate bone plate and bone screw, drill holes in the bone, and implant the bone plate.

6.) Suture the periosteum, internal muscle and fascia with 0/3 catgut suture. Clean the wound and disinfect it.

7.) Suture the skin wound with silk knots.

5. Postoperative care

1.) Try to limit the dog's activities after surgery, preferably in a cage

2.) Proper calcium supplementation after operation to promote the formation of callus

3.) Wear an Elizabeth Binding Ring after operation to prevent the dog from licking the affected area.

4.) Routine anti-inflammatory and pain relief for 3-5 days after operation, suture removal after one week, imaging examination every month after that, to observe the growth of broken ends, and gradually carry out rehabilitation training to prevent muscle atrophy and functional degradation.

5.) After about three months, review and remove the internal fixation plate, and remove the skin suture after one week.

Discussion:1.) The X-ray of the last picture shows that the fracture ends have been aligned, which basically achieves the intended purpose of treatment.

2.) For the method of internal fixation in this case, intramedullary pinning can also be used, and no wire assistance is required. Because it is a transverse fracture, it is better to use compression plate fixation.

3.) The dog had no infection or discomfort after returning, and the wound healed well. After 3 days, the affected limb can touch the ground.