Uhunt Bone Fractures

Uhunt Mag Information

  • Posted By : BRISTLE UP
  • Posted On : Jun 27, 2019
  • Views : 2145
  • Category : PIG DOGGING » VET & HEALTH ARTICLES
  • Description : "Learn about different fractures,treatment options and benefits of each" 

Overview

  • Thanks to Kuranda Vet Clinic QLD

    INTRODUCTION
    Bone fractures can affect any bone in the entire body. Most fractures occur due to outside causes, eg. being hit by a car or falling off a ute. The force and angle of trauma will determine the type of fracture that results and the way it can be repaired. In fractures of the upper limbs, assessment is often very easy. When we get to the lower limbs and feet it can become more difficult to tell exactly where there is damage without x-rays. The location of the fracture will determine whether or not a splint may help or hinder when you are giving first aid.

    CLOSED & OPEN BREAKS
    The terms open and closed are used in regards to fractures when describing whether there is or isn’t a wound from the skin to the broken bone.  Open fractures are caused by either the sharp ends of fractured bone exiting from the inside or by external trauma damaging soft tissues to the bone.  Accidental gunshots or pig bites will result in open fractures where the bone remains within the body but has been exposed to the outside world. Open fractures have a much higher risk of infection due to contamination from the skin surface. An open fracture requires more urgent veterinary attention than a closed fracture to prevent infection interfering with healing.  Closed fractures of the long bones in the limbs can become open if they are not supported with a splint or bandage during transport, as they don’t have a lot of tissue surrounding them. Equally splints or bandages that slip and place pressure on the fracture instead of supporting them can result in a closed fracture becoming open. Sometimes open fractures that have been highly contaminated, will require a delayed approach to the bone repair, where the infection risk is controlled before a final bone repair is under taken.



    FIRST AID 
    If your dog sustains a fracture in the field assess the break as best as possible, calm the animal and keep the limb still however you can but try not to panic. Keeping the dog calm and still is good enough in many cases and you should not need to splint the limb which can prove difficult in dogs and sometimes make the break worse, discretion and common sense must be used. If it is an open break, then keep the wound as clean as possible and bandage if you can, the bandage should be moist. Transport them to a vet clinic preferably supervised the entire trip as to make sure they don’t panic or try to use the broken limb.



    FURTHER EXAMINATION
    Once x-rays have been taken, fractures can be further described by their appearance. Simple fractures have one “crack” and complex fractures have multiple lines and fragments, and in some cases the bone looks like it has exploded. Complete fractures are where the bone has broken full thickness, and incomplete fractures occur when part of the bone remains intact. If not supported, incomplete fractures can become complete. Bones are subjected to tension, compression, torsion, rotation or combination of forces to cause fractures.  These forces result in various types of fractures which will influence the type of repair method chosen and cost. The healing process of the bone starts with the formation of a small framework for new bone to grow and calcify. The main cause of disruption to this healing is movement of the fracture site, different repair methods all attempt to limit this movement.



    REPAIR METHOD & RECOVERY
    The healing process occurs much better in young animals versus the aged, who will need to be supported for a greater length of time before they gain their own strength. Stabilisation methods include casts, bandaging, external or internal pinning and bone plating. Sometimes more than one repair method is used on one injury. While casts may seem like an easy option, they do allow movement at the fracture site and the limb tends to move within the cast which is not ideal. The first four weeks of recovery are the most crucial to make sure the dog remains confined and unable to exert too much force on the broken bone. They will need to be led to go to the bathroom and not allowed to roam free. In most cases the dog should not resume normal work for around three months or longer but this needs to be assessed on a case by case basis with regular check-ups with your vet. For many fractures, some form of surgical repair will be necessary.



    Internal fixation with bone plates and screws has become the most applicable fixation method for bone fractures over the last 50 years. They are applied to the outside of the bone and secured with screws through the walls of the bone. They are contoured to fit the bone and are available in many sizes and shapes to suits different bone fractures. They are able to counter both bending and rotational forces on the bone and can span areas where multiple fragments are present. In general, bone plating requires the least amount of aftercare, however all fractures need time to heal and patients will still need rest and controlled exercise to achieve the best healing. Pinning on the other hand may be the cheaper option but can lead to movement and rotation of the bones and prolong healing or possibly make the bones heal crooked. If you want the best outcome for your dog working wise and recovery time, plating is often the best choice but can be very expensive.

    EDITORS NOTES
    Costs can vary greatly depending on the vet and the type of break. Pinning usually costs between $1200-$2500 and plating can cost anywhere from $2800-$5000. Some vets charge more than others so get copies of your X-Rays and get quotes from multiple vets you could save hundreds of dollars. More often than not surgery is not done immediately but instead after a few days. It’s advised to get accident cover for your dog from as little as $15 a month. Steel’s cost was $2800.