Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Toy Poodle with broken front leg bones fixed using circular frame
By Byoungho An et al.·Published in Open Veterinary Journal·2024·Department of Veterinary Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Republic of Korea, LY·View original on DOAJ →
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Original publication title: Temporary circular external fixation for effective management of bilateral radial non-union in a Toy Poodle
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 3-year-old neutered male Toy Poodle was brought in for treatment after struggling with non-union fractures in his forelimbs for over a year, which left him barely able to use his legs. The veterinarian first used a circular external fixation device to stabilize the bones and encourage healing, followed by a second surgery that involved bone grafting and additional fixation methods. After 10 weeks of treatment, the dog successfully healed and regained normal movement in his legs. This case highlights how effective temporary fixation can be for managing complex fractures in small breed dogs.
People also search for: Toy Poodle forelimb fracture treatment · dog bone healing after surgery · circular external fixation for dogs
Abstract
Background: Distal radius fractures are prevalent in small and toy-breed dogs, presenting significant treatment challenges due to complications such as delayed union or nonunion. These complications are often exacerbated by reduced vascular density at the distal diaphyseal-metaphyseal junction of the radius, which is vital for bone healing, particularly in toy and small breed dogs. Circular external fixation (CEF) is known for its effectiveness in managing acute and chronic fractures and providing temporary stabilization in humans. This study documented the use of temporary CEF in a Toy Poodle with non-union fractures of the radius and ulna, addressing bone atrophy and resorption caused by repeated implant failures. Case Description: A 3-year-old, 4.2 kg, neutered male Toy Poodle was referred for treatment after multiple attempts to fix for radial and ulnar fractures failed to achieve union over one year, leaving the dog barely using its forelimbs. In the first surgery, CEF was applied to heal holes in the bone caused by previous fixation devices and encourage forelimb use through rehabilitation. In the second surgery, a combination of cancellous bone grafting, plate fixation, and CEF was used, resulting in successful bone union and restoration of normal gait after 10 weeks. Conclusion: In conclusion, CEF is a valuable option for temporary fixation and fracture reduction in toy-breed dogs and offer a promising approach to managing challenging cases. [Open Vet J 2024; 14(11.000): 3127-3131]
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Search related cases →Original publication on DOAJ: https://doi.org/10.5455/OVJ.2024.v14.i11.43