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Peer-reviewed veterinary case report

Dog with femur fracture and muscle infection treated but left stiff

By Thomson, M J & Eger, C E·Published in The Journal of small animal practice·1997·School of Veterinary Studies, Australia·View original on PubMed

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Original publication title: Management of a femoral fracture complicated by clostridial myositis.

Species:
dog

Plain-English summary

A 5-year-old mixed-breed dog suffered a broken thigh bone (femoral fracture) and developed a serious muscle infection (clostridial myositis) as a complication. Surprisingly, even with significant muscle damage and gas buildup, the dog showed only mild signs of illness. The veterinarian successfully treated the fracture, allowing it to heal, but six months later, the dog experienced stiffness in the knee joint due to muscle tightening.

People also search for: dog broken leg treatment · clostridial myositis in dogs · dog knee stiffness after fracture

Abstract

A clinical case of clostridial myositis secondary to a comminuted femoral fracture is described. This case is unusual because, despite the severe degree of obvious muscle necrosis and gas production, the dog had minimal signs of systemic toxicity. Union of the fracture was achieved but six months postoperatively muscular contracture had resulted in permanent stifle extension.

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Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9065885/