Correction of femoral fracture in a cat using retrograde intramedullary pinning: A case report

Abstract

The purpose of the present case report was to describe a surgical approach for correction of femoral fracture in a cat. The case was recorded in the Teaching and Training Pet Hospital and Research Centre (TTPHRC), Purbachal, Dhaka during an internship placement. A nine-month-old mixed breed cat weighing 2.6 kg was presented to TTPHRC with a history of leg carrying lameness following an accident due to fall down from roof. On physical examination the cat was found active and alert. Palpation of the left femur revealed pain and crepitation while radiography confirmed a complete femoral fracture. The fracture was treated by retrograde intramedullary pinning along with wiring following standard surgical approach. General anaesthesia was given and maintained throughout the surgery. As a part of post-operative care systemic antibiotic, pain killer and nerve tonic were administered with protective bandages. Mild weight bearing was remarked on the 7th postoperative day and sutures were removed on 10th day after surgery. Bone healing occurred without complications and the cat was recovered three months after surgery bearing weight on the limb. The present case study suggests that intramedullary pinning with wires is very effective for treatment of femur fracture in cat.