Dorsal slab fracture of the fourth carpal bone in a racing greyhound.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To report the diagnosis and surgical management of a dorsal slab fracture of the fourth carpal bone in a racing greyhound. STUDY DESIGN: Clinical report. ANIMAL: Three-year-old, male racing Greyhound. METHODS: The fracture was not visible on orthogonal radiographs and the diagnosis was made by computed tomography. Open reduction and internal fixation with 2 countersunk 2.0-mm screws inserted in lag fashion was performed via a dorsal approach. Outcome was analyzed objectively by comparing preinjury and postsurgery racing performances. RESULTS: Internal fixation resulted in fracture healing and the dog returned to racing recording times similar to those before injury. CONCLUSION: Fractures of the fourth carpal bone may not be visible on standard orthogonal radiographic views and cross-sectional imaging may be required for more accurate identification. Surgical management was successful with the dog returning to preinjury levels of competition.