REPAIR OF A DIAPHYSEAL FRACTURE OF THE METATARSUS BY OPEN REDUCTION AND INTERNAL-FIXATION IN AN ADULT BACTRIAN CAMEL

This paper describes the treatment of a diaphyseal fracture of the metatarsus in an adult Bactrian camel. Application of a round hole plate, on the lateral side, by means of cortical screws in lag fashion on the proximal fragment, in combination with a dorsally placed DCP plate resulted in delayed healing. Postoperatively a synthetic cast was placed up to the tarsal region to supply external immobilization. Local postoperative infection, noted two weeks after surgery, was successfully treated by the implantation of gentamicin pearls, in combination with systemic parenteral and oral antibiotics. Although delayed callus formation was observed radiographically, an acceptable degree of fracture healing was present after six months.