Surgical management of limb fractures in calves and goats

The study was conducted to determine the occurrence of fractures in calves and goats at Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH), Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) and to compare the efficacy of fracture treatment with external and internal fixation using splints and bone plate/wire suture respectively. Patients brought to VTH with the history of automobile accident, trauma and clinical signs suggestive of fractures were subjected to detailed physical, orthopaedic and radiographic examinations to confirm fractures. A total of 6 calves and 4 Black Bengal goats were presented to VTH with limb fractures. Fractures were treated with close reduction and external fixation with splints and bandage, and open reduction and internal fixation with wire suture and bone plate. 50% and 75% fracture cases healed properly in calves and goats respectively. Among the affected animals, 60% were females irrespective of species. Metacarpal bone was the most susceptible for limb fracture. Three were open fractures and 7 cases were closed fracture with the occurrence of 70%. The healing percentage of open fracture treated with external fixation was very poor and amputation was needed in the fractured limb. Overall treatment success rate was 60 %. Biochemical analysis revealed very significant (p<0.01) difference in serum calcium level before and after healing due to hard callus formation. This study shows that bone plating fixation give a satisfactory results to calves with fracture. Moreover, the study could help veterinarians to set up proper treatment method depending on location of fracture.