Treatment of extremity fractures in dogs using external fixators with closed reduction and limited open approach

Humerus, tibia and antebrachium fractures determined in 30 dogs of different breed, age, weight and gender were treated using Type I and II external fixators. Meynard and handcuff clamps were used in the external fixators. Limited open approach was applied in 6 of the cases and closed reduction techniques in 24. In cases where closed reduction and stabilisation was done, the patients were seen to use their leg within 3–10 days post-operatively and that walking was reasonably good after 20 days. In cases to which a limited open approach had been applied, use of leg was achieved in a period close to the closed method.