Abstract

A two month old cross-bred Jersey calf weighing 78 kilograms was presented at the District Veterinary Centre, Kannur with the history of non weight bearing lameness on the right forelimb. On clinical examination, the proximal end of fractured right metacarpal was found protruding through the skin on the medial side above the fetlock joint. Radiographic examination confirmed an open long oblique fracture of distal diaphysis of right metacarpal. Bilateral-multiplanar free-form external skeletal fixation technique using polyethylene tube casted with epoxy putty was performed under brachial plexus nerve block and general anaesthesia. Postoperative antibiotics, analgesics and regular dressing were advised. The wound healed completely by two weeks. Animal started bearing weight during 2^nd postoperative week and normal weight bearing was observed by the 4^th postoperative week. Radiographic union was observed by the 6^th postoperative week and the fixator was removed. Mild exuberant granulation was observed on the wound which resolved by the subsequent week following topical application of copper sulphate-potassium permanganate-glycerine paste in the ratio 1:1:5 and the animal had an uneventful recovery.

Keywords : Epoxy putty, Trans-fixation pins, External skeletal fixation