Bovine Fractures

Question 1

Aetiology of limb fractures in cattle.

Answer 1

Severe trauma:
- e.g. falling off bulling cows, trapping legs between bars (e.g. in crushes), road and farm traffic accidents, jumping gates and falling down grids and potholes.
Often comminuted, open and grossly contaminated.

Question 2

1. Dx of limb fractures.
2. Ddx of limb fractures.

Answer 2

1. Hx - usually obvious especially if open or the causal trauma is witnessed e.g. jumping gates, trapped in crush.
   Manipulation often reveals atypical movement and crepitus unless fracture is high up the limb.
   ?Radiological exam:
   - lower limb only.
   - definitive.
2. Dislocations, severe nerve damage.

Question 3

Tx of bovine limb fractures.

Answer 3

Depends on:
- age.
– younger –> fixation of distal limb fractures possible.
- weight.
– heavier animals much more difficult to treat and effectively immobilise.
- nature of fracture.
- value.
Casualty slaughter?
Reduction can be difficult esp. if delayed.
Internal and external fixtures.
Usually casting.

Question 4

Limb fracture Px.

Answer 4

Depend on site and nature of fracture and age and weight of animal.
- e.g. uncomplicated distal limb in young animals vs open fractures higher up limb in older animals.

Question 5

1. Tuber coxae fracture aetiology.
2. Clinical signs of tuber coxae fracture?
3. Tx of tuber coxae fractures?

Answer 5

1. Lateral falls.
   Pushing / racing through narrow entrances.
2. Often an incidental finding but usually obvious - displaced bone fragment ventrally.
3. No tx indicated.
   Respond well to box rest.
   Although sequestra - open draining tract develops.

Question 6

1. Pelvic symphysis aetiology.
2. Pelvic symphysis clinical signs.
3. Tx and Px of pelvic symphysis?

Answer 6

1. Occasionally pelvic symphysis separation during calving.
2. Sunken spine at sacrum.
   May be incidental finding.
3. No tx possible.
   May prevent future vaginal deliveries.

Question 7

1. Clinical signs of pelvic fractures elsewhere.
2. Dx of pelvic fractures elsewhere.
3. Tx and px of pelvic fractures elsewhere.

Answer 7

1. Vary depending on site.
   Some make WB impossible.
2. Crepitus during walking or palpation.
   Rectal and vaginal exam can be helpful.
   Differential diagnoses include dislocations, pelvic haematomas, and abscesses.
3. Salughter?
   Initial period of closely confined box rest?
   Analgesia.
   Poor px.