Case of the Month- “Ruby”



 









History:
Fractured front leg 2 ½ weeks ago while running in yard.
Surgery was performed at another veterinary clinic to repair fracture.
Initially “Ruby” did very well but 4 days prior to being examined she stopped bearing     
       weight on this leg.

Physical Exam:
There was a seroma(fluid filled swelling) in the location of the fracture.
Callus(new bone formation) was palpated at the fracture site.
Fracture was unstable(moveable).
Remained of the exam was normal.

Radiograph:
The fracture had collapsed on itself and was not healing.

Diagnosis:
Nonunion of fracture.

Treatment:
“Ruby” was taken to surgery to have an external skeletal fixator applied.  A series of pins were inserted through the bone segments above and below the fracture and then connected to each other to stabilize the fracture.  ***Picture of Fixator*****
Cage rest only to allow for healing.
Pain medications were given to keep “Ruby” comfortable.
Long term antibiotics to prevent infection.

Outcome:
“Ruby” was examined on a regular basis to evaluate healing.
After several months, the fixator was removed and “Ruby” is doing well.

Case of the Month
                    1 ½  years old
Doberman Pinscher
Spayed Female