[Open diagonal fracture of metatarsus III/IV and internal fixation in an alpaca]

This report describes the case of a 15-month-old alpaca stallion with an open fracture of metatarsus (MT) III/IV that occurred during transportation. Despite of a guarded prognosis, the animal was operated on request of the owner. The surgical intervention consisted of meticulous lavage and curettage of the wound and affected bone, precise fracture reduction, internal fixation with a 12-hole broad 3.5 mm DCP and implantation of a gentamicin impregnated collagen sponge. Primary wound healing was evident and the implant was removed at 3 months after the initial intervention. At 14 months after surgery, the stallion did not show any signs of lameness and was used for service.