Management of limb fractures in wapiti (Cervus elaphus): 22 cases (1993-1997)

Antonio M. Cruz From the Department of Veterinary Anesthesiology, Radiology and Surgery, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon Canada S7N 5B4.

Search for other papers by Antonio M. Cruz in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
 DVM, MSc
,
Jeremy V. Bailey From the Department of Veterinary Anesthesiology, Radiology and Surgery, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon Canada S7N 5B4.

Search for other papers by Jeremy V. Bailey in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
 BVSc, MVSc
, and
Peter B. Fretz From the Department of Veterinary Anesthesiology, Radiology and Surgery, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon Canada S7N 5B4.

Search for other papers by Peter B. Fretz in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
 VMD

Objective

To determine treatment and outcome of a series of wapiti (elk) with fractures of the limbs.

Design

Retrospective study.

Animals

22 wapiti.

Procedure

Medical records were reviewed to determine affected limb and bone, fracture configuration, method of treatment, outcome, and complications.

Results

2 animals had fractures of the humerus; 8 had fractures of the radius, ulna, or both; 5 had fractures of the third metacarpal bone; 3 had fractures of the tibia; 2 had fractures of the femur; and 2 had fractures of the tarsal bones. Most fractures (n = 11) were closed, displaced, nonarticular fractures; 6 fractures were open. Four animals died or were euthanatized prior to fracture treatment, 2 were not treated because fractures had already healed, and 14 underwent fracture repair. In the remaining 2 animals, the affected limb was amputated. Five animals developed nonfatal complications (wound dehiscence, osteomyelitis [2 animals], delayed union, and malunion) and 2 developed fatal complications (gastrocnemius rupture and femoral fracture during recovery). Overall, 16 animals were discharged from the hospital, and all were doing well at follow-up, 2 months to 4 years after discharge.

Clinical Implications

In wapiti, limb fractures can be successfully treated by means of internal or external fixation. The high rate of fracture healing, even among wapiti with open fractures, should encourage veterinarians to repair limb fractures in wapiti. (J Am Vet Med Assoc 1999;214:1829-1832)

Objective

To determine treatment and outcome of a series of wapiti (elk) with fractures of the limbs.

Design

Retrospective study.

Animals

22 wapiti.

Procedure

Medical records were reviewed to determine affected limb and bone, fracture configuration, method of treatment, outcome, and complications.

Results

2 animals had fractures of the humerus; 8 had fractures of the radius, ulna, or both; 5 had fractures of the third metacarpal bone; 3 had fractures of the tibia; 2 had fractures of the femur; and 2 had fractures of the tarsal bones. Most fractures (n = 11) were closed, displaced, nonarticular fractures; 6 fractures were open. Four animals died or were euthanatized prior to fracture treatment, 2 were not treated because fractures had already healed, and 14 underwent fracture repair. In the remaining 2 animals, the affected limb was amputated. Five animals developed nonfatal complications (wound dehiscence, osteomyelitis [2 animals], delayed union, and malunion) and 2 developed fatal complications (gastrocnemius rupture and femoral fracture during recovery). Overall, 16 animals were discharged from the hospital, and all were doing well at follow-up, 2 months to 4 years after discharge.

Clinical Implications

In wapiti, limb fractures can be successfully treated by means of internal or external fixation. The high rate of fracture healing, even among wapiti with open fractures, should encourage veterinarians to repair limb fractures in wapiti. (J Am Vet Med Assoc 1999;214:1829-1832)

All Time Past Year Past 30 Days
Abstract Views 0 0 0
Full Text Views 663 352 7
PDF Downloads 66 48 3
Advertisement