Bite Trauma–Induced Fractures in 15 Dogs

Abstract

Objective: To summarize outcomes and complications in dogs sustaining fractures secondary to bite trauma. We hypothesize that fractures secondary to bites have a high infection rate and a poorer prognosis than dogs sustaining non-bite related fractures.

Materials and Methods: Records were collected and reviewed from two veterinary specialty hospitals. Signalment, weight, size of offending canine, fracture location, fracture morphology, time to surgery following trauma, method of fixation, time to radiographic healing, antimicrobial usage, duration of antimicrobial therapy, concurrent trauma, comorbidities, complications, and long term outcome were collected.

Results: Fifteen dogs were included in this case series. Small breed dogs represented fifty-three percent of cases and a bimodal age distribution of one to two or eleven to twelve years old. Sixty-six percent of fractures occurred in an appendicular long bone. Ninety-three percent of dogs survived to discharge. Ampicillin/Sulbactam and Enrofloxacin were the most frequently employed antimicrobials. Thirteen percent of dogs developed postoperative infection.

Conclusion: Fractures induced from bite trauma are common in clinical practice. To the author’s knowledge, no previous studies have assessed this specific fracture type. This paper found that bite trauma induced fractures may have a more favorable prognosis and a lower degree of infection than hypothesized.

Acknowledgment: There was no proprietary interest or funding provided for this project.

Publikationsverlauf

Artikel online veröffentlicht:
16. September 2024