Abstract A 4-year-old, neutered male European shorthair was presented for evaluation of right hind limb lameness. Radiographs revealed bilateral femoral capital physeal fractures, widened vertebral growth plates and constipation. Physical findings included lethargy, mental dullness, mild hypothermia, retarded growth, pharyngeal stridor, moderate muscle atrophy of pelvic limbs, hair coat abnormalities, and lack of defecation and urination. A thyroid panel revealed thyroid hormone values below detection limits and high thyroid stimulation hormone values. A presumptive diagnosis of congenital primary hypothyroidism was made, however also an early onset acquired primary hypothyroidism could not be ruled out. Results of the insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) and the parathyroid hormone as well as an adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulating test were normal. A bilateral femoral head and neck excision was performed. Levothyroxine supplementation was started at a dosage of 50 µg (11 µg/kg) BID and later adjusted to 100 µg (22 µg/kg) BID based on total thyroxine concentrations. The tomcat showed full clinical recovery and normal clinical behaviour. The case shows that primary hypothyroidism may be considered in cats presented with femoral capital physeal fractures.
Between 2010 and 2013, 372 dogs with 386
fractures and 297 cats with 310 fractures of the extremities were presented
to the clinic for small animals of the University of Veterinary Medicine
Hannover, Foundation, Germany. Twelve fractures of the scapula (nine dogs,
two cats), 89 fractures of the humerus (61 dogs, 23 cats), 126 fractures of
the radius and ulna (91 dogs, 29 cats), 156 fractures of the pelvis (74 dogs,
82 cats), 177 fractures of the femur (66 dogs, 101 cats) and 136 fractures of
the tibia and fibula (71 dogs, 60cats) were detected.
51,3% of dogs and cats were male, 45,7%
were female. In 3% sex was unknown. In both, cats and dogs, fractures
occurred mostly between the ages of one and five years (37,5%). Car accident
was the main reason for the development of fractures in dogs. In 52,1% of
cats the reason was unknown. Fall from a height was second with 22,4% in
cats.
81% of fractures in dogs and cats were
treated surgically, 6,5% conservatively. In most cases in dogs (58,9%) and
cats (46,4%) a plate was chosen for treatment of fractures. In 38,6% of this
cases angle stable internal fixators and in 61,4% conventional nonlocking
plates were used for fracture stabilization.
Complication rate in dogs were 16,6%, in
cats 9,2%. Implant loosening occurred most frequently with 37,5%, followed by
implant failure with subsequent fracture (31,9%). 8,3% developed a
pseudarthrosis. Bone infection occurred in 8,7% of cases. The complication
rate after using conventional nonlocking plates (17,3%) was much higher than
using angle stable internal fixators (9,6%). 45,6% of dog owners and 61,9% of cat
owners were not available. 32,9% of dog owners and 26,8% of cat owners were
available for a telephone interview. 21,5% of dogs and 11,3% of cats were
presented for a clinical and radiographic examination in the clinic for small
animals. 75,3% of the interviewed dog owners and
92,3% of the cat owners were very satisfied with the healing success. 20,8%
of dog owners and 5,9% of cat owners reported from a good healing success,
with a mild degree of lameness. According to the survey 4% of dogs and 0,9%
of cats show a permanent lameness or owners reported severe postoperative
complications. 31,3% of dogs and 45,7% of cats received
an excellent result, after the clinical and radiographic examination. A good
result achieved 54,2% of dogs and 40% of cats. 14,5% of dogs and 14,3% of
cats were evaluated with a unsatisfactory result.
Osteophytes occurred in 41% of dogs and
in 48,3% of cats, due to a fracture. 8,7% of cats and 31,3% of dogs developed
different degrees of lameness. A limitation of the ROM due to decreased
extension and flexion of the elbow joint was diagnosed after fractures of the
humerus. Also there was a limitation of ROM, seen by reduced extension and
flexion in the carpal joint, due to the use of plates for treatment of radius
and ulna fractures. Limitations of extension and ROM of the stifle joint due
to fractures of the femur were statistically significant.
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