Department of Surgery and Radiology, College of Veterinary Science, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana - 141004 (Punjab)
*Corresponding Author E-mail: drraghupau@rediffmail.com
Online published on 19 March, 2013.
Two buffalo calves were presented with ipsilateral metacarpal and metatarsal fractures. Pre-treatment radiographs revealed comminuted fracture in both metacarpal and metatarsal bones in calf 1 and comminuted fracture of the metacarpal and simple transverse fracture of the metatarsal bone in calf 2. Metacarpal fractures in both the calves were closed and metatarsal fractures were open. Both the animals were recumbent at time of presentation. ‘U’ splint with POP cast was applied in both the limbs in each of the calves with window in the cast on the limbs with open fractures. One month post treatment follow up revealed complete weight bearing on the treated limb in both the animals. Radiographs at this stage revealed fracture fragments in apposition with periosteal reaction and bridging callus in both the metacarpals and metatarsals of the calves. Nine weeks post treatment follow up revealed healed wound with healthy scar tissue. Radiographs at this stage revealed complete union of the fractures with cortical continuity and no evidence of fracture lines. The animals made complete recovery with excellent weight bearing and full limb function. POP cast with ‘U’ splint proved to be highly economical method for fixation of open/closed MC and MT fractures.
Calves, coaptation, metatarsal, metacarpal, fractures
