Incidence, Occurrence and Classification of Long Bone Fractures in Dogs: A Retrospective Study

Background: Long bone fracture in small animals has become a problem of concern in urban areas as well as rural areas because of road accidents. Canine long bone fracture cases presented at surgery wards of the hospital during 2017-20 were analysed for determining their incidence, occurrence and classification of fractures. Methods: The present study was conducted on long bone fractures in dogs presented to the surgery ward of SVVU Super Speciality Veterinary Hospital, Visakhapatnam from 2017 to 2020. Detailed history and signalment was followed by detailed physical examination to determine the site of fracture, extent of soft tissue swelling and presence of open wounds. Radiographic evaluation was done to localize the seat of fracture, to identify the type of fracture and to find out relation between the fracture fragments. Result: Of all the cases of dog patients presented to the surgery ward 2.02% were diagnosed to have fracture of different bones. Fracture of long bones (326), comprised 1.50% of total cases and 74.42% of fractures cases. The highest incidence was recorded in mongrel dogs and the most common affected bone was tibia fibula. Fall from height was reported as an etiological factor in majority of the cases and Juvenile group of animals was found more affected.