Radiographic evaluation of forelimbs, hindlimbs and vertebral column fractures in dogs & cats: Retrospective study of 99 cases (during last 9 months)

Abstract

Introduction<br><br>Fractures in dogs and cats are most often caused by trauma, such as being hit by a car or jumping or falling from a height. The purpose of this study was to determine the type and proportion of fractures affecting the forelimbs, hindlimbs and vertebral column in dogs and cats.<br><br>Materials and Methods<br><br>Total radiographs of 99 cases were evaluated that referred to Veterinary Clinic of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad for orthopedic problems during 9 months (March-November 2010). Fractures were observed in 77 cases.<br><br>Results<br><br>Fractures of forelimbs, hindlimbs and vertebral column were seen in 23, 50 and 4 cases, respectively. Most of referred cases were immature (50 cases).<br><br>In forelimbs, humeral fractures in 9 cases (fissure fracture in 1/9, bicondylar articular fracture in 3/9, folding fracture in 1/9, malunion in 1/9, oblique & overriding in 1/9, multiple & spiral in 1/9, Salter-Harris in 1/9 case) were seen. Nine cases had fractures in radius and ulna (incomplete fracture in 1/9, comminuted & overriding fracture in 3/9, transverse fracture in 3/9, oblique in 1/9 and malunion fracture in 1/9 case). There were 1 case with carpal and 4 cases with metacarpal fractures (fissure fracture in 2/4, open & overriding fracture in 1/4, open & comminuted fracture in 1/4 case). <br><br>In hindlimbs, pelvic fractures in 14 cases were seen. Twenty cases were shown femoral fractures (comminuted in 11/20, overriding fracture in 5/20, transverse fracture in 1/20, chip fracture in 1/20, folding fracture in 2/20, and Salter-Harris fracture in 1/20, segmental fracture in 1/20, oblique in 1/20 case). Eleven cases had fractures in tibia and fibula (Salter-Harris in 2/11, incomplete fracture in 1/11, overriding open fracture in 3/11, transverse fracture in 2/11, segmental fracture in 2/11, and spiral in 1/11). Two cases had fractures in tars (incomplete in 1/2, complete in 1/2 case), and seven metatarsal fractures (incomplete in 1/7, comminuted fracture in 4/7, overriding fracture in 2/7).<br><br>Conclusion<br><br>This study revealed the type and proportion of fractures affecting the forelimbs, hindlimbs and vertebral column in dogs and cats.