During the final exam, at three to eight weeks after the surgery (depending on the age of the pet), x-rays will be made to evaluate the healing process. The surgeon will monitor the healing process every 1 to 2 weeks, during each cast/splint change. Detailed instructions will be given to you after the surgery. It’s also extremely important to limit your companion’s activity and exercise level during the post-operative period. The cast/splint will need to be changed every one to two weeks at our hospital until no external support is necessary. A cast or splint is commonly placed on the limb for 5 to 8 weeks, until the healing is complete. This x-ray was made 6 months after the fracture occurred and the outer two (metacarpals 4 and 5) did not heal at all and the dog was continually lame on the limb.Īfter surgery, you can continue to give your pet a prescribed pain reliever to minimize discomfort. The owner did not return to the veterinarian for bandage changes, thus the fractures were unstable during the healing process. Here is an example of metacarpal fractures that were improperly managed with a splint. Your companion’s surgeon will make a recommendation for the best treatment option for your companion, whether the fracture is supported with a cast alone or with surgical intervention and cast. Placing pins into the marrow cavity to repair fractured bones in the paw is another method of repair. Surgery involves realigning the fractured bones and securing them in place with plates and screws. Surgery may be elected in select cases in which the bones are very displaced, the pet is older as healing may be slower, the fractures have occurred more than 3 to 4 days since injury and cannot be reduced and if the pet is a show dog and the final cosmetic and functional outcome is very important. Traditionally, surgery has been recommended to stabilize these fractures, however, based on one research study, surgery is not always needed. There are two treatment options for metacarpal and metatarsal fractures. Prior to anesthesia and surgery, blood work is done in order to evaluate the health of your companion’s internal organs. In order to diagnose a fracture, x-rays of the affected area are needed. The clinical signs of a metacarpal or metatarsal fracture include nonweight-bearing lameness, swelling, and abnormal movement of the paw (instability). This could potentially result in infection and delayed healing. Sometimes the injury will result in an open wound over the fractures in which dirt and hair usually are driven into the tissues. The most common cause of metacarpal and metatarsal fractures include being stepped by a human, being hit by a car, getting the paw caught in a chain-linked fence or getting the paw caught in a hole in the ground when running. There are four long bones of the hind and forelimb paws called the metatarsals and metacarpals, respectively. The paws have many small bones that are held in place by strong ligaments. Postop care instructions 8 week fracture recheck - cat Postop care instructions 8 week fracture recheck - dog History form 8-week fracture recheck (in hospital) - dog and cat Postop care instructions 2-week fracture repair recheck - dogĨ-week recheck visit - downloadable forms/information for clients: Postop care instructions 2-week fracture repair recheck - cat History form - 2 week postop (Telemedicine evaluation) - dog and cat History sheet - Client initial consultation historyĬlient education handout - metabone fracturesĭischarge instructions for postop care with cast/splint - dogĭischarge instructions for postop care with cast/splint - catĢ-week recheck visit - downloadable forms/information for clients: Initial visit- downloadable forms/information for clients: Most fractures of the paw heal uneventfully Your pet’s surgeon will determine which treatment will be best Fractures of the metatarsals or metacarpals can be managed with either splinting or surgery
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