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Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2021; 34(05): 352-358
DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1729625
Clinical Communication

Management and Long-Term Outcome of Acetabular Fractures in Dogs: A Retrospective Study of 49 Dogs

Victoria J. Roberts
1   Department on Clinical Sciences and Services, Queen Mother Hospital for Animals, Royal Veterinary College, United Kingdom
2   Pride Veterinary Centre, Derby, United Kingdom
,
Kevin Parsons
3   Langford Veterinary Services Small Animal Referral Hospital, University of Bristol, Langford, Bristol, United Kingdom
,
David Sajik
4   Hamilton Specialist Referrals, Cressex Business Park, Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom
,
Richard L. Meeson 
1   Department on Clinical Sciences and Services, Queen Mother Hospital for Animals, Royal Veterinary College, United Kingdom
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Abstract

Objective The aim of this study was to categorize the presentation, management, complications and long-term outcome of canine acetabular fractures, and to determine the factors affecting outcome.

Materials and Methods Case records and imaging for dogs with acetabular fractures were reviewed with long-term follow-up via canine brief pain inventory (CBPI) and owner questionnaires.

Results The majority of fractures were in the mid-third (36/52) and caudal-third (13/52) with few in the cranial-third of the acetabulum (3/52). Concurrent injuries were diagnosed in 47/49 dogs; 10/34 dogs had neurological deficits on presentation. Forty-seven fractures received treatment: 25/47 had direct surgical repair (DSR), 10/47 had salvage surgery (SS) and 12/47 had conservative management (CM). Fracture location significantly affected treatment group (p = 0.001). New neurological deficits were documented after DSR in 5/24 dogs and SS in 2/10 dogs. Short-term complications occurred after DSR in 10/18 dogs (five minor, five major) and CM in 1/8 dogs (major). Long-term complications occurred after DSR in 2/15 dogs (major) and CM in 2/7 dogs (catastrophic). Conservative management dogs had worse average owner-reported CBPI scores than DSR or SS dogs.

Clinical Significance Acetabular fractures predominate in the mid and caudal acetabulum, with high levels of concurrent injuries. Fracture location significantly influenced the treatment approach taken. Postoperative neurological deficits are common following SS and DSR.

Keywords

acetabular fracture - acetabulum - dogs - pelvis - fracture management

Author Contributions

V.J.R. contributed to conception of study, study design, acquisition of data, and data analysis and interpretation. R.L.M. contributed to conception of study, study design, and data analysis and interpretation. K.P. and D.S. contributed to data analysis and interpretation. All authors drafted, revised and approved the submitted manuscript and are publically accountable for relevant content.


Supplementary Material



Publication History

Received: 21 January 2020

Accepted: 03 March 2021

Article published online:
08 June 2021

© 2021. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Rüdigerstraße 14, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany

 

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