A Retrospective Study of Fractures in Dogs and Cats at the Sulaimani Veterinary Teaching Hospital (2019–2023)

This retrospective investigation examined the prevalence, underlying factors, and therapeutic approaches for fractures in dogs and cats admitted to the Sulaimani Veterinary Teaching Hospital (SVTH), College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sulaimani, between 2019 and 2023, with the exception of the COVID‑19 lockdown year. A total of 474 clinical cases were reviewed, representing canine and feline patients of various breeds. The analysis revealed that dogs were more frequently affected by fractures than cats, with femoral fractures constituting the most common presentation. Diagnostic confirmation was achieved through evaluation of case history, clinical signs, physical examination, and radiographic imaging. The prevalence of canine femoral fractures showed a progressive increase across the study period, rising from 14.7% in 2019 to a peak of 33.8% in 2022, followed by a modest decline to 27.9% in 2023. A similar trend was observed for pelvic fractures, which became more prominent in 2023, while carpal fractures demonstrated a notable increase in 2022, diverging from the general pattern of orthopedic injuries. Treatment strategies involved the application of both internal and external fixation methods, selected according to fracture type and clinical considerations. The findings indicate that the incidence of fractures in dogs and cats has risen compared with data recorded between 2014 and 2018. Effective fracture management in the region requires not only appropriate surgical fixation techniques and comprehensive postoperative care but also public health measures aimed at controlling the population of stray dogs, which contribute substantially to the incidence of trauma-related fractures.