Repair of long bone fractures in dogs using locking compression plates

Seven dogs of different breeds, age, sex and body weight (19–30 kg) were treated for unstable long bone fractures (tibia- 2, radius-ulna- 3, humerus- 1 and femur- 1) using locking compression plates (LCP). The efficacy of treatment was evaluated on the basis of clinical examination, haemato-biochemical evaluation and radiographic findings. The mean±SE values of swelling, lameness and pain score were minimum on 15^th, 45^th and 30^th postoperative day, respectively; while the mean value of weight bearing score was highest on 60^th postoperative day. The serum alkaline phosphatase showed irregular variation during the study period, while the mean±SE value of serum calcium was above the normal value till 15^th postoperative day. Radiographic study revealed primary healing in three cases, secondary healing in two cases and remaining two cases were subjected to revised surgery due to dislodgement of fixation device. The radiographic union was achieved on an average of 54 days. Fixation failure in two cases and wound dehiscence followed by osteomyelitis in one case were the complications observed. On the basis of the findings of the study, it can be concluded LCP provides rigid fixation of long bone fractures in majority of cases.