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Management of limb fractures in wapiti (Cervus elaphus): 22 cases (1993-1997)
A M Cruz1, J V Bailey, P B Fretz
1Department of Veterinary Anesthesiology, Radiology and Surgery, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada.
Objective:
To determine treatment and outcome of a series of wapiti (elk) with fractures of the limbs.
Design:
Retrospective study.
Animals:
22 wapiti.
Procedure:
Medical records were reviewed to determine affected limb and bone, fracture configuration, method of treatment, outcome, and complications.
Results:
2 animals had fractures of the humerus; 8 had fractures of the radius, ulna, or both; 5 had fractures of the third metacarpal bone; 3 had fractures of the tibia; 2 had fractures of the femur; and 2 had fractures of the tarsal bones. Most fractures (n = 11) were closed, displaced, nonarticular fractures; 6 fractures were open. Four animals died or were euthanatized prior to fracture treatment, 2 were not treated because fractures had already healed, and 14 underwent fracture repair. In the remaining 2 animals, the affected limb was amputated. Five animals developed nonfatal complications (wound dehiscence, osteomyelitis [2 animals], delayed union, and malunion) and 2 developed fatal complications (gastrocnemius rupture and femoral fracture during recovery). Overall, 16 animals were discharged from the hospital, and all were doing well at follow-up, 2 months to 4 years after discharge.
Clinical Implications:
In wapiti, limb fractures can be successfully treated by means of internal or external fixation. The high rate of fracture healing, even among wapiti with open fractures, should encourage veterinarians to repair limb fractures in wapiti.