Treatment of long bone fractures with external skeletal fixator in cats and dogs

The aim of this study is to evaluate the results of the treatment of the long bone fractures with external skeletal fixator clinically and radiologically in cats and dogs. The study material consisted of 7 (70%) cats and 3 (30%) dogs of different species, breed, sexes, and ages, brought to Balikesir University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Surgery Clinic with complaints of lameness. The gender distribution was 5 females (50%) and 5 males (50%), the average age was 8.3 months and the average weight was 3.91 (± 3.47) kg. The causes of fractures were determined as 50% motor vehicle accidents, 40% fall from a height, 10% unknown reasons; the fractured bones were determined as 50% tibia-fibula, 30% humerus, 10% radius-ulna, 10% femur. It was found that bones with radius-ulna and tibia-fibula fractures had both bones fractured. 30% of the fractures were classified as open fractures and 70% as closed fractures. Regarding walking, weight bearing, and lameness, it is found that 60% were "very good" (score=1), 20% were "good" (score=2), and 20% were "moderate" (score=3) in functional use of the 45th day scoring. There was no "bad" (score=4) score in any case. According to the data obtained at the 45th day as a result of radiological scoring; 40% were "disappearance of the fracture line, healing" (score=5), 40% were "pronounced callus, no visibility of the fracture line" (score = 4), 20% were "minimal callus formation" (score = 2). According to the clinical and radiological examinations after the treatment, it was concluded that external skeletal fixators, which belong to the biological osteosynthesis methods, can be easily used for the treatment of long bone fractures in cats and dogs.