Evaluation of string of pearls plate for the repair of femur fracture in six dogs

The present clinical study was conducted on six dogs presented to department of Veterinary Clinical Complex, Veterinary College, Hassan, with history of femoral fracture and non-weight bearing lameness. Among six animals five were male and one female having different age groups (all above 6 months). Clinical examination revealed pain and crepitus in all animals. The hemato-biochemical parameters were within the range. Plain radiography of the affected limb was performed in medio-lateral and cranio-caudal view for confirmatory diagnosis, implant selection. Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) were performed in all the animal. The surgical site was aseptically prepared and cranio-lateral approach was used to expose the fracture fragments. All the animals were pre-anaesthetised using atropine sulphate, xylazine HCl and Butorphanol tartarate combination and induction was done using propofol and maintainance was done using Isoflurane. String of Pearls plate was used to stabilize the femur fracture. Upon lameness grading majority of the animal started to bear weight from 3rd day and upon radiogrphice evaluation by 60thday complete bone homogenous structure with absence of fracture line was observed in two cases and apparent bridging of callus with barely discernible fracture line was observed in remaining four cases. All the animals recovered uneventfully and SOP proved to be better option for the management of femur fracture in dogs.