[Metacarpal and metatarsal fractures in cattle. Treatment and results]

94 cattle with 97 metacarpal or metatarsal fractures were presented at the Department of Veterinary Surgery of the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, between 1970 and 1987. The cause of fracture was incorrect traction during assisted delivery in almost one third (30.9%) of cases. Eighty-two animals were treated. 59 out of 73 cattle treated conservatively and 7 out of 9 which were operated, could be healed. In 38 animals the fracture healed without malpositioning; 28 developed a shortening or bending of the affected limb, which, with the exception of one case, did not functionally impair the animals. Complications occurred in 22 patients (= 26.9%); in closed fractures the reason was predominantly due to dislocation of the fragments within the cast, whereas an osteomyelitis was usually the cause in the case of the open fractures.