Radiographic Management of Impacted Fracture of the Left Distal Metatarsal Bone in a 7-Month-Old Ram (Case Report)

Fracture is the act of breaking or dissolution in the continuity of a bone, with or without displacement of bone fragments. A 7-month-old Balami-Ouda cross Ram was presented at the Large Animal Clinic of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto with a complaint of lameness on the left hind limb which was noticed 3 days prior to presentation. Radiography of the limb, revealed a swollen left metatarsophalangeal joint with an impacted fracture at the distal end of the metatarsus and a valgus deviation of the phalanges. History further disclosed that the ram might be a victim of stampede by some cows in the farm, as it was managed semi-intensively with other animals (8 ewes, 6 rams and 5 cattle). The fracture was managed by closed reduction and external fixation using Plaster of Paris (POP) and a splint to redirect the valgus deviated limb back to its original position. This POP was removed on the 6th week after complete healing was ascertained on a radiograph and complete weight bearing was achieved. The ram was fully discharged at week 7. The fracture healed successfully without any form of complication.