Fractures in dogs: A survey of 402 cases

A total of 402 fractures in dogs recorded from 1976 to 1995 were included in the study. The number of males affected (63%) was'' significantly (P<0.05) more than females (3 7%). Majority of fractures (54%) were recorded inyoung animals aged less than one year. The occurrence was highest in non descript indigenous breeds. The causes of trauma were mainly automobile accidents (46.86%) and fall from height (39.11%). Among different types of fractures, oblique/spiral fractures (54.86%) were significantly (P<0.05) higher than comminuted(l 6.5 7%), transverse (14.86%), incomplete (6.5 7%) and multiple (5.14%) fractures. Of all the long bones, highest number of fractures were seen in femur (38.56%), followed by tibia/fibula (17.16%), radius/ulna (16.92%) and humerus (7.71%). Fractures of spine and pelvis were recorded in 4.23% and 5.4 7% of cases, respectively. In all long bones, the incidence of diaphyseal fractures was more than epiphyseal/metaphyseal fractures. However, in femur and humerus, condylar/supracondylar fractures were recorded in 20% and 29.03% of cases, respectively. Middle and distal third ofdiaphysis was more commonly affected in femur, humerus and radius/ulna. Whereas in tibia/fibula, occurrence was more in the middle and proximal third. In pelvis, dial fractures were highest and in spine, L₃-L_s was the most common site of fractures.