Summary
The purpose of this retrospective study was to compare the outcome of metacarpal and
metatarsal fractures treated conservatively versus surgically. Internal fixation of
these fractures is recommended if there are: more than two metacarpal or metatarsal
fractures in the same leg; two fractures of weight bearing bones; articular fractures;
fractures with significant displacement; open fractures; and if the fractures occur
in large breed, athletic, show, or working dogs. All 25 dogs fit the published criteria
for surgical fixation to achieve a good outcome. Treatment (surgical versus conservative)
was assigned based on owners’ decisions only. Follow-up was nine-68 months. Anything
less than perfect in the categories used to evaluate outcome was considered a failure.
Outcome was not statistically affected by surgery or conservative treatment, and no
other factors significantly affected outcome. The present recommendations used in
determining if surgery is necessary for these fractures were extrapolated from human
literature and may have no scientific validity in our patients.
Open reduction and fixation was compared with closed reduction and coaptation for
the treatment of multiple fractures of the metacarpal and metatarsal bones in 25 dogs.
Keywords
Metacarpal fractures - metatarsal fractures - canine - treatment outcome
