Surgical repair of distal femoral fracture in a wild gray wolf (Canis lupus)

Document Type : Scientific report

Authors

1 Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran

2 Resident of Veterinary Surgery, Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran

3 Department of Environment Organization, Fars Province, Shiraz, Iran

Abstract

A 3-year-old wild gray wolf was referred to the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences of Shiraz
University with a history of car accident. The radiographic examination showed supracondylar distal femoral
fracture in right leg. The wolf was pre-medicated by acepromazine followed by induction of anesthesia using
a combination of diazepam and ketamine. Anesthesia was maintained by halothane. The fracture was
reduced, the first pin was bent based on anatomical curvature of the femoral shaft and inserted from lateral
epicondyle and drove proximally. The second one was inserted from medial epicondyle as a cross pin. For
further stabilization, a bone plate was contoured to curve from the shaft onto the condyle and applied on
lateral surface of the distal femur. The joint capsule and incision site was closed. Postoperative radiograph
showed good pin placement and bone reduction. Cage rest and restricted activity was accomplished for 8
weeks. Postoperative follow up revealed no complication and the wolf was allowed to return to its domain
area of wilderness four months after surgery. In conclusion, using a combination of different fixation
techniques can result in successful fracture repair in wild animals.

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