Lecture 25 4/3/25 Flashcards
What is the incidence of fractures in bovine?
-rare
-more common in young animals
-seen with external trauma or dystocia
What is the breakdown of fracture occurrence by bonre?
-metacarpus/metatarsus: 50%
-tibia: 12%
-radius/ulna: 7%
-humerus: 5%
-femur: rare
-phalanges: rare
Why are cattle good orthopedic patients?
-handle immobilization well
-used to being recumbent
-tremendous bone healing properties
-few complications for the contralateral limb
What are the characteristics of temporary immoblization?
-done in the field before transport to hospital
-goal is to keep a closed fracture from becoming an open fracture
-splint has to touch the ground to alleviate forces on fracture
-splint is placed lateral or palmar/plantar
How is splint length determined?
fractures that are more proximal to the body will require longer splints to ensure there are no unwanted forces acting on the fracture
What should be evaluated in patients presenting with fracture?
-TPR
non-weightbearing lameness/recumbency
How are fractures characterized?
-visual
-palpation
-x-ray
How many radiograph views are needed when assessing fractures?
2 orthogonal views
What are the different fracture configurations?
-simple or complex (comminuted, multiple)
-transverse, oblique, or spiral
-open or closed
-displaced or not
-portion of bone involved
How is short oblique distinguished from long oblique?
length of the fracture will be 2x the bone diameter in long oblique fractures
Which salter-harris physeal fractures are most common in cattle?
type 1 and type 2
What are the possible treatment options for fractures in cattle?
-external coaptation
-external fixators
-open reduction and internal fixators
What are the indications for external coaptation/casting?
-closed fracture
-simple fracture
-transverse or short oblique fracture
-fracture distal to carpus/tarsus
What are the advantages of external coaptation/casting?
easy and affordable
What are the rules regarding external coaptation/casting?
-must provide sedation +/- general anesthesia
-need adequate fracture reduction
-must immobilize the joints proximal and distal to the fracture
-must provide adequate protection of prominent bones
-must include the claws in the cast
Where must felt be placed to protect prominent bones when casting?
-between and under claws
-over palmar/plantar aspect of proximal sesamoid bones
-palmar/plantar aspect of carpus/tarsus
-elbow/stifle joint
Why is it recommended to place the proximal felt protection over the stockinette despite the other pieces being placed under the stockinette?
it helps to maintain the felt in place when the stockinette is rolled down
How many cast layers are required for different weights of cattle?
under 150 kg: 6 to 8 layers
greater than 150 kg/adults: 12 to 16 layers
What are the characteristics of fiberglass cast material?
-weak in compression
-strong in tension
Why is cast bulkiness needed?
-to provide appropriate protection to fracture and resist compression
-need especially bulky casts along palmar aspect of front leg and dorsal aspect of hind leg due to increased compression
How long does it take for clinical osseous healing to occur?
6 to 12 weeks
What are the characteristics of cast timing in calves?
-typically need casts for 5 to 6 weeks
-casts should be be changed every 3 weeks; calves grow out of them rapidly
What are the characteristics of cast timing in adults?
-time needed to heal is variable
-cast changes can occur after 4 weeks or longer
What should be monitored in a cow with a cast?
-comfort
-weight bearing
-gait
