Comparative evaluation of different internal fixation techniques to correct ante-bracheal deformities in growing dogs

Dogs with ante brachial deformities (18) were randomly divided into 4 treatment groups I, II, III and IV for their correction, like application of splint and cast (group I), bone stapling with splints (group II), periosteal stripping with splints (group III) and ulnar osteotomy with splints (group IV). Different techniques were evaluated and compared by intraoperative, clinical, radiological and haematobiochemical studies. Application of fiberglass splints was easier to perform and required minimum time for application (12±7 min) followed by periosteal stripping (17±6 min) and bone stapling (25±5 min). Soft tissue manipulation and postoperative discomfort was more in group IV, followed by groups III and II. Pain and lameness were more in group IV and persisted till 15 days, but it was lesser in groups II and III. Normal weight bearing was delayed in group IV than to other 3 groups. The clinical and haematobiochemical parameters did not show significant variation. Marked improvement in angular deformity was observed in group II, but in groups IV and I, it was less. In group III, the angle of limb deformity significantly increased by the last observation period.