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A fractured foot is a common injury of dogs and cats. This video will take you through all the stages of the surgical repair of a fractured foot in a dog from the decision making to the end of the surgery.

Do we need to surgically repair fractured digits?

To immobilise the fractured foot for 6 weeks in a splinted bandage is usually curative in a young and healthy animal. However, it could be very advantageous to get your pet operated:

• Shorter recovery period
• Pain free quickly after the operation
• Adequate healing without sequel

The decision to operate depends also on which digit is fractured. There are 5 digits named 1 (dew claw) to 5 (outside digit). The digits 3 and 4 do carry most of the weight of the animal. Whenever any of those is affected, surgery is indicated.

In the present case, digits 2, 3, 4 and 5 being broken, the decision was easily reached.

The various stages of the surgery

1. Careful dissection of the nerves, tendons and blood vessels around the broken digits.
2. Visualisation of the fractured digits
3. A pin is inserted in the bottom fragment of the broken digit
4. Result after pinning of the 4 bottom fragments
5. The pins are then inserted in the top fragments
6. This is the result when all 4 pins are in place
7. The pins are cut so that half an inch sticks out
8. The end bit of the pins are turned upwards to avoid interfering with the joint in front
9. The pin can be cut to their final length and the pinning is complete
10. Following stitching of the skin, the dog is woken up and an x-ray is taken to check the repair. In that case, it looked very successful

Posted by Vetstoria.com, 11 months ago