engleski

OSTEOSYNTHESIS OF THE RADIUS AND ULNA IN A BROWN HARE (Lepus europeus)

Six months old brown hare was presented at the Surgery Clinic for evaluation of a right forelimb third grade lameness. Full physical examination, blood samples for complete blood count, and serum biochemistry were performed. Radiographic examination from anteroposterior and lateral views confirmed a old, closed, complete, non-comminuted, transverse fracture of the right radius and ulna diaphysis. Distal fragmet was slightly externaly rotated with angulation of 30 degrees opposed to proximal fragment. Therefore osteosynthesis was performed to reduce fragments to normal anatomical position with normal limb function. Sedation was performed by ketamine in dose of 35 mg/kg and xylazine in dose of 3 mg/kg i.m. Induction to general anaesthesia was performed by ketamine in dose of 4 mg/kg of bw i.v. Blind endotracheal intubation with uncuffed endotracheal tube, 3.0 mm diameter was performed while anesthetized brown hare was placed in sternal recumbency with its head extended. General anaesthesia was maintaned by 2% sevoflurane, O2 flow was 1 L/min during surgical procedure. Ketoprofen in dose 2 mg/kg of bw provided analgesia and enrofloxacine antimicrobial prophylaxis. Stabilization of fractures with bone plates and screws are the most popular methods of fracture fixation. Osteosynthesis was performed by 2.0, 8-hole stainless steel Synthes dynamic compression plate (DCP) placed on cranial (dorsal) surface of the radius in neutral position with seven 2.0 cortical stainless steel Synthes screws to achieve anatomical repositioning of fragments and to restore normal biological function of the limb. One hole was omitted due to formed callus on fracture site. Surgical procedure was performed within 45 minutes in order to reduce residence in a hospital environment, which hares generally find stressful. Limb was immobilized with modified Robert Jones bandage reinforced with aluminium splint. The fracture was assessed as clinically stable at the 5th day postoperatively and the animal was weightbearing on it's forelimb. One month later fracture healed completely without any complications. After performing full clinical examination and bloodwork, controled and modulated anaesthesia and analgesia, it is possible to perform osteosynthesis in brown hare with excellent outcome and also a good way to preserve fragile wildlife.

brown hare; radius; ulna; fracture; plate osteosynthesis

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