Clinical Management of Phalanges and Horn Concurrent Fractures in a Indian deer (Cervus axis)

A recently rescued male Indian short horned deer (Cervus axis) was presented with the history of limping of right fore leg, injury on right horn and wound on the right hind leg. Physical examination revealed pain and crepitation at the right proximal phalangeal region, crepitation of right horn at the base and lacerated wound on the anterior border of the right stifle region. The deer was anesthetized with Inj.Xylazine @ 1mg/Kg bwt and Inj. Ketamine @ 2 mg/kg bwt. The fracture at the right proximal phalangeal region was immobilized with plaster of paris cast and bandage following external co-aptation technique. The fractured horn was repaired using rigid plastic splint reinforced with plaster of paris cast in a fashion of figure of eight appositioned with adjoining horn. Post-operatively, animal was given fluid therapy, parenteral antibiotic care, anti-inflammatories and tetanus toxoid. External coaptation technique using plastic splint and plaster of paris cast was helpful for repair of concurrent fractures of phalanges and horn.