TREATMENT OF COMMON FORELIMB FRACTURES IN MINIATURE-BREED AND TOY-BREED DOGS

The risk for complications and treatment options for fractures of the distal radius/ulna and lateral portion of the humeral condyle in minia ture- and toy-breed dogs are reviewed. Nonunion is the most common com plication associated with distal radial and ulnar fractures in small d ogs. Open reduction and fracture stabilization with an external skelet al fixator or bone plate are recommended. Cast fixation and intramedul lary pinning of these fractures are not recommended. Malunion is the m ost common complication associated with lateral condylar fractures of the humerus. Successful treatment of these fractures necessitates prom pt diagnosis, anatomical reduction, and adequate stabilization. Fractu re fixation with a transcondylar lag screw or divergent Kirschner wire s is recommended. Vigorous uncontrolled activity in the early postoper ative period may result in fixation failure in both of these fractures . Prognosis for dogs with nonunion of the distal radius is dependent u pon the severity of osteoporosis that has developed from disuse or str ess protection. An attempt should be made to salvage these limbs using an external fixator or bone plate and cancellous bone grafting. Howev er in some cases, forelimb amputation is necessary. Prognosis for dogs with malunion associated with internal fixation of lateral condylar f ractures is good, and conservative (nonsurgical) management of this co mplication usually results in acceptable forelimb use.