Lecture 26 4/4/25 Flashcards
What are the characteristics of humerus fractures in bovine?
-rare
-typically young adults housed together
-high energy fracture as a result of concussion when foot fits the ground
Why do animals with humerus fractures often present with walking on the dorsal aspect of their front foot?
the fracture causes radial n. damage that prevents proper function of the extensor muscles
What are the treatment options for humerus fracture?
-stall rest
-open reduction and internal fixation
-culling if damage is too severe/cannot be fixed
What are the characteristics of ORIF for humerus fractures?
-requires double plates in heavier animals (older than 6 to 8 mo.)
-can use intramedullary pins in younger, lighter animals
What are the characteristics of femur fractures in bovine?
typically seen in neonates after a dystocia with backward presentation
What are the differentials for upper hind limb lameness?
-diaphyseal or capital physeal fracture
-septic hip joint
-hip luxation
Why do femur fractures often have significant displacement?
due to the high muscle volume surrounding the bone
Why can stall rest not be a treatment option for femur fractures?
the bone cannot heal due to the amount of displacement
What are the ORIF options for the femur?
-stack pinning with cerclage
-intramedullary interlocking nail
What are the possible complications of ORIF for the femur?
-infection
-implant failure
-migration
What is the prognosis for femur fractures treated with ORIF?
fair; about 65-75% recover
What are the characteristics of elbow luxation?
-very rare
-typically traumatic
-unknown etiology
What are the steps to closed reduction for elbow luxations?
- maximal flexion of elbow and carpus
- internal rotation of forearm via lateral pressure on metacarpal bone
- strong pressure on laterally luxated radial head
What are the characteristics of septic arthritis/tenosynovitis of the elbow joint?
-rare
-typically hematogenous in cause
-treated with lavage, antimicrobials, and pain management
Why is ultrasound often used for more proximal imaging of the limbs in bovine?
the conformation of the skin and musculature makes it difficult to take x-rays of the more proximal structures
What are the characteristics of osteochondritis dissecans in the front limb?
-rare
-seen in fast growing animals
-congenital
-treatment via arthroscopy
-ddx is septic arthritis; should tap the joint
What are the treatment options for septic physitis?
-surgical debridement
-local or systemic antibiotics
-pain medication
-culling if more severe case
What is a hygroma?
false bursa in front of a joint that fills with fluid
What is the purpose of hygroma removal?
typically cosmetic; functional if really bothering the animal
What can cause stifle-related lameness?
-septic arthritis
-cranial cruciate ligament rupture/tear
-OCD
-luxation of patella
-upward fixation of patella
What is the etiology of CCL rupture?
-older animal
-chronic alteration of CCL
-possible associated meniscus tear
What is the typical presentation of CCL rupture?
acute-on-chronic; acute lameness due to chronic inflammation
How is CCL rupture diagnosed?
-palpation of swelling and attempted cranial drawer test
-radiographs
-ultrasound; hypoechoic fluid around joint
What is the main differential diagnosis for CCL rupture?
fracture
What are the treatment options for CCL rupture?
-confinement and pain management (bandaid solution)
-surgical repair
What are the surgical techniques for CCL rupture repair?
-stifle joint imbrication
-gluteobiceps graft
-synthetic graft
What are the characteristics of CCL rupture repair post-op?
-must confine animal and provide good pain management
-animal has a 45-50% chance of recovery (guarded)
-maximally invasive procedure; high risk of complication
What are the main complications that occur in CCL rupture repair surgeries?
-implant failure
-surgical site infection
What are the characteristics of patellar luxation?
-rare
-seen in young calves
-possibly associated with femoral nerve paralysis after dystocia
What is the clinical presentation of patellar luxation?
-animal unable to bear weight on affected limb
-patella seen in a luxated position on rads
Why are patellar luxations always lateral in bovine?
the lateral sheath of the quad muscle is not affected by the femoral n. paralysis and continues to pull laterally on the patella
What are the patellar luxation classifications?
type 1: intermittent patellar luxation; easily luxates manually and returns to trochlea when released
type 2: occasional patellar luxation; associated with crouch position; easily luxated manually but does not readily return to normal position
type 3: permanent luxation; calf is unable to extend stifle; patella can be repositioned but does not stay in place when joint is flexed
type 4: permanent luxation; cannot be repositioned; trochlear groove flat or absent
Which grades of patellar luxation can potentially be treated through conservative management?
grades 1 and 2
What are the surgical repair options for grade 3 and 4 patellar luxations?
-prosthesis on medial aspect of limb to maintain patella in place
-imbrication of joint on medial aspect
-sulcoplasty
What is the prognosis for patellar luxation?
guarded
What occurs in upward fixation of the patella?
-leg is locked in extension
-patella is stuck on medial trochlear groove
-animal will drag leg due to a lack of flexion
What are the characteristics of stifle OCD?
-rare
-congenital
-seen in fast growing animals
-treated via arthroscopy
What can cause hip lameness?
-coxofemoral luxation/downer cow syndrome
-septic arthritis
What are the Ms of downer cow syndrome?
*metabolic
-hypocalcemia
-hypokalemia
-hypomagnesemia
*metritis
*mastitis
*musculoskeletal
-neurologic
-coxofemoral luxation
-ruptured peroneus tertius
-ruptured gastrocnemius
What is the etiology of coxofemoral luxation?
-immediate post-partum period
-dystocia causes obturator paralysis
-slippy floor
-hypocalcemia
-weakness
-multiple attempts to stand
How can a coxofemoral luxation be palpated?
with animal on side with affected hip up, place hands on greater trochanter while some abducts and circumducts leg
Why is ventral coxofemoral luxation associated with the worst prognosis?
this direction of displacement can affect the obturator nerve
What are the potential treatment options for coxofemoral luxation?
-none/cull animal
-closed reduction and ehmer sling
-FHO
What is the prognosis for coxofemoral luxation?
guarded to poor
What are the characteristics of ruptured peroneus tertius?
-can be congenital or associated with trauma
-potential consequence of full limb casts on hind legs
-will see flexion of stifle with extension of hock
What are the characteristics of ruptured peroneus tertius treatment?
-confinement and thomas splint
-guarded prognosis
What are the characteristics of ruptured gastrocnemius muscle?
-typically a death sentence; muscle is very large and cannot be repaired
-only treatment option is to thomas splint for 3 to 4 weeks in hopes of muscle fibrosis; not very likely to work
