Download PDF
Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2003; 16(03): 196-199
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1632778
Case Report
Schattauer GmbH

Treatment of radius, ulna and humerus fractures with the aid of a bone morphogenetic protein in a giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla)

C. R. A. Ferrigno
1   Department of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine of University of Sao Paulo, Brazil
,
F. Futema
2   Faculty of Veterinary, University Paulista, Sao Paulo, Brazil
,
D. L. Fedullo
3   Zoo of Sao Paulo, Brazil
,
V. Kyan
4   Private Practice, Sao Paulo, Brazil
,
D. Tabacchi Fantoni
1   Department of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine of University of Sao Paulo, Brazil
,
D. C. B. Baccarin
5   DVM Koala Animal Hospital, Sao Paulo, Brazil
,
M. A. Romano
6   Faculty of Veterinary, University Paulista, Sao Paulo, Brazil
› Author Affiliations
This study was funded in part by the Baumer S.A., who were responsible for providing the BMP and the metal implants.
Further Information

Publication History

Received 01 October 2002

Accepted 17 January 2003

Publication Date:
22 February 2018 (online)

Also available at
   Permissions and Reprints

Summary

A giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) was found with closed comminuted fractures on the right radius and ulna and left humerus the duration of which was unknown. The animal was unable to use either of the thoracic limbs. The fractures were stabilized with 3.5-mm titanium plates and a commercially available mixture of micro lyophilized bovine cortical osseous and bovine BMP (Gen-tech®, Baumer, Brazil) was implanted into the fractures sites. Postoperative radiographic evaluations were performed every 30 days and after four months. Bone healing was observed in all of the fractures. The animal was able to be reintroduced into its natural habitat. From this case we conclude that despite the low metabolic rate of the giant anteater, which is an inherent characteristic of this species, the treatment of radius, ulna and humerus fractures by means of plates and screws, associated with BMP on the Myrmecophaga tridactyla, was a success.

Keywords

Anteater - BMP - fracture
 

  • References

  • 1 Bellah RJ. Use of a distal hook plate for treatment of a distal radial fracture in a dog. Vet Surg 1987; 16: 278-82.
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 2 Brinker WO, Piermatei DL, Flo GL. Fraturas do radio e da ulna. In: Brinker WO, Piermatei DL, Flo GL. (eds). Manual de ortopedia e tratamento das fraturas dos pequenos animais. São Paulo: Manole; 1986: 321-44.
    Search in Google Scholar
  • 3 Denny HR. Pectoral limb fractures. In: Whittick WG. (ed). Canine Orthopedics. 2ed. Philadelphia: Lea & Febiger; 1990: 357-87.
    Search in Google Scholar
  • 4 Egger EL. Fractures of the radius and ulna. In: Slatter D. (ed). Textbook of small animal surgery. 2ed. Philadelphia: W. B. Saunders; 1993: 1736-57.
    Search in Google Scholar
  • 5 Forell EB, Straw RC. Bone morphogenetic proteins and bone derived growth factors. VCOT 1993; 06: 166-70.
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 6 Gillespi DS. Edentata disease. In: Fowler ME. (ed). Zoo and Wild Animal Medicine Current Therapy 3. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders; 1993: 304-9.
    Search in Google Scholar
  • 7 Lind M, Eriksen EF, Bunger C. Bone morphogenetic protein-2 but not bone morphogenetic protein-4 and -6 stimulates chemotactic migration of human osteoblast, human marrow osteoblast, and U2-OS cells. Bone 1996; 18: 53-60.
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 8 Macdonald D. The Encyclopedia of Mammals. Hong Kong: Barnes & Noble; 1999
    Search in Google Scholar
  • 9 Mills LD. Bone and non-bone-derived growth factors and effects on bone healing. In: Martinez SA 1999; 29: 1221-47.
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 10 Sumner-Smith G. Bone plating for radial fractures in small dogs. Modern Vet Pract 1970; 03: 30-3.
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 11 Turner MT. Fractures of the bone of the front limb. In: Olmstead ML. (ed). Small Animal Orthopedics. St. Luis: Mosby-year book; 1995: 195-219.
    Search in Google Scholar
  • 12 Urist MR. Bone: formation by auto induction. Science 1965; 150: 893-7.
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 13 Yasko AW, Lane JM, Fellinger EJ, Rosen V, Wozney JM, Wang EA. The healing of segmental bone defects, induced by recombinant human bone morphogenic protein (rhBMP-2).. J Bone Joint Surg 1992; 74: 659-70.
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar