Clinical, biochemical, radiographic and thermographic evaluation of extremity fractures in calves

In this thesis, it was aimed to evaluate the extremity fractures clinically, thermographically and radiographically in calves aged 0-6 months brought to the surgical large animal clinic between 2019-2020. Clinical, thermographic and radiographic evaluation was carried out of a total of 26 cases, including 18 Metacarpus, 3 Femur, 3 Metatarsus, 1 Antebrachium, 1 Tibia fractures, and 7 healthy cases in calves. Thermographic examinations were performed with thermography device; the changes in the color scale, the findings and the images were recorded. Radiographic examinations of fracture cases were performed. Complete blood count was done from blood samples taken from vena jugularis of calves. Although statistically significant parameters were found in the results of whole blood analysis, it was determined that the results were between reference ranges. Serum extracted from blood samples were also placed in aliquots and stored at -20 °C until biochemical analysis. Fracture cases; it was evaluated by classifying it according to its structure and affecting force mechanism, anatomical location, bone structure, the relationship of the fracture ends with the external environment, the degree of fracture, the number of fractures, the course of the fracture lines and the injuries of neighboring organs. In the light of the findings obtained, the diagnosis was made and as a result of the diagnosis, the appropriate treatment method mentioned in the literature was applied. Serum calcium measurement values in the control and fracture groups, respectively; it was determined as 10.60±0.25, 11.67±0.23 mg/dl and the increase in fracture cases was statistically significant (p<0.05). TNF-α measurement values in groups, respectively; it was determined as 0.11±0.01, 0.15±0.05 pg/ml, and the increase in fracture cases was statistically significant (p<0.05). IL-1β measurement values are respectively; it was determined that 18.67±4.71, 30.69±7.53 pg/ml and the increase in fracture cases was statistically significant (p<0.05). IL-6 measurement values are respectively; 61.79±5.52, 98.29±31.85 pg/mL were determined and the increase in fracture cases was statistically significant (p<0.05). Cortisol measurement values, respectively; it was determined as 3.36±0.54, 4.93±0.97 mcg/dL and the increase in fracture cases was statistically significant (p<0.05). MDA measurement values are respectively; it was determined as 3.77±0.39, 5.00±0.73 μmol/L, and the increase in fracture cases was statistically significant (p<0.05). AOA measurement values, respectively; 6.80±0.64, 4.95±0.92 μmol/L were determined and the decrease in fracture cases was found to be statistically significant (p<0.05). In the thermographic examination of the fracture cases, an increase of 4.14±2.2 °C was noted at the fracture line. Fractures due to dystosia and trauma in calves have an important place among calf surgical diseases. It has been concluded that thermography can also be used as a diagnostic method in fracture cases, and the realization of the appropriate treatment option will make a significant contribution to the country's economy, and there is a need for more detailed studies on the use of thermographic examination in the period following surgical treatment.