Femoral Fracture Repair Using a Locking Plate Technique in an Adult Captive Polar Bear (Ursus Maritimus)

Surgical stabilization of a distal tibial fracture in a jungle cat (Felis chaus) using orthogonal double plating

The jungle cat (Felis chaus) is a member of the genus Felis within the family Felidae, native to south-east Asia, west Asia and north Africa. A 2-year-old male jungle cat was referred with a history of lameness of 3 days duration. At the time of presentation, the animal had non-weight-bearing lameness of the right hindlimb. Examination identified crepitation and instability in the distal diaphyseal region of the right tibial bone. Radiographs confirmed the presence of fractures in the distal diaphyseal region of the right tibia and fibula. Double plating of the tibia was employed for used fixation. The animal was evaluated 2, 4 and 8 weeks post-operatively, and the procedure was considered to have been successful with no observed surgical complications.

Treatment of a malunion of the tibia and fibula in a giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla)

ABSTRACT Vehicle collisions involving giant anteaters contribute significantly to the decline of this population. Although mortality rates at the time of trauma are high, many animals survive despite severe trauma and limb fractures. Treating these individuals is extremely challenging. This report describes the use of a corrective osteotomy to treat an angular deformity caused by inadequate healing of a tibial and fibular fracture in a young giant anteater. The animal was rescued on a highway by the Brazilian Institute for the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (Ibama). He was presented at the University Veterinary Hospital with lameness of the left pelvic limb and edema in the middle region of the tibial shaft. The radiographic examination showed an exuberant callus and significant bone deviation in the middle third of the left tibia and fibula. Corrective wedge osteotomy and fixation with a 3.5mm locking plate and 2.5mm intramedullary pin were performed. In the immediate postoperative period, there was functional recovery of the limb and complete consolidation of the osteotomy was identified 60 days after the operation. The corrective wedge osteotomy technique was effective for the treatment of inadequate tibial consolidation in a young giant anteater, providing complete recovery of all limb functions.

DOUBLE PLATING FOR FRACTURES IN GIANT ANTEATERS (MYRMECOPHAGA TRIDACTYLA)

The fixation of fractures in wild animals has been a great challenge for veterinarians, because they will inevitably face a unique anatomical characteristic with scarce studies or reports published. Fracture fixation should promote adequate stability and early return to limb function, taking into account biomechanical characteristics of the bones, body weight, and natural habits of wildlife. Three bone fractures from two giant anteaters (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) referred at the veterinary teaching hospital on different occasions were treated by a double plating technique. The two free-ranging anteaters incurred their injuries when struck by an automobile. The first anteater (Ant 1) had a complete oblique fracture of the proximal third of the right femur and a complete comminuted fracture of the distal third of the right tibia. Surgical stabilization was performed by double plating to stabilize the femur and tibia. The second anteater (Ant 2) had a complete transverse fracture of the mid-diaphysis of the right radius and ulna, and it was fixed with a medial plate on the radius and a caudal plate on the ulna. The patients were able to walk 24 hr after the surgical procedures. Bone consolidation was observed at 60 days postoperatively, with no complications. The biggest challenges were related to anatomical characteristics for surgical approaches and the ability to promote a fixation strong enough to support the weight and strength of the animal, allowing early return to limb function.

Humeral fracture repair using a robust fixation in an adult Giant Anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla): case report

ABSTRACT The treatment of fractures from the thoracic limb in giant anteaters is extremely challenging. Unfamiliar and peculiar anatomical characteristics, robust musculature and the imminent need for an early return to limb function highlight such challenges. The objective of this report was to describe the successful use of anatomical osteosynthesis with a robust locking compression plate in a humeral fracture of an adult giant anteater. The patient was rescued on the highway after being run over and presented for treatment at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Surgical stabilization was performed using a craniomedial approach to the humerus, using a customized broad 3.5mm locking compression plate. The patient presented early limb support at 24 hours postoperatively. Radiographic monitoring was performed at 30, 60 and 90 days postoperatively, and bone healing was observed without any complications. It is concluded that the treatment of humerus fractures in giant anteaters requires robust fixation. The use of a reinforced locking compression plate system proved to be effective and adequate to the mechanical load that an adult individual of this species needs for early use of the thoracic limb and, at the same time, efficient in controlling interfragmentary movement, which allowed fracture consolidation.

Locking plate femur fracture repair in a juvenile Western chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes verus) in Sierra Leone

This case reports the successful management of a traumatic diaphyseal femoral fracture in an infant Western chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes verus) from a rescue centre in Sierra Leone using a 2.4-mm intramedullary pin and two 2.7-mm String of Pearls^™ locking plates. Locking plate use has not been previously described in chimpanzees.