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Unusual Bone Healing in a White-tailed Deer
The Canadian Veterinary Journal = La Revue Veterinaire Canadienne
|November 1, 1983
Summary
A deer experienced two leg fractures, successfully treated with intramedullary pins and external fixation. The second fracture showed unique periosteal involucrum formation, possibly from a hematoma.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Orthopedics
- Wildlife Medicine
- Skeletal Trauma
Background:
- Deer can sustain complex limb fractures.
- Sequential fractures present unique treatment challenges.
- Understanding bone healing in wildlife is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the treatment of two sequential fractures in a deer's left hind leg.
- To document the healing process and outcomes.
- To investigate the unusual periosteal response observed.
Main Methods:
- Tibial fracture treated with intramedullary pin and cerclage wires, with a plaster cast.
- Distal metatarsal fracture stabilized using external fixation.
- Radiographic and clinical monitoring of fracture healing.
Main Results:
- The tibial fracture healed uneventfully.
- The distal metatarsal fracture healed with a significant periosteal involucrum.
- The involucrum encased the entire length of the metatarsal bone.
Conclusions:
- Sequential fractures in deer can be managed successfully with appropriate orthopedic techniques.
- Periosteal involucrum formation, potentially linked to sub-periosteal hematoma, is a notable healing response in deer metatarsal fractures.
- This case highlights adaptive bone healing mechanisms in wildlife.
