We get a lot of long bone fractures referred to us here in Burton-Upon-Trent, and this case history of a tibial fracture in a middle-aged greyhound illustrate the sorts of things we need to think about and address when managing these cases.

External fixation is a way of fixing fractures that sometimes troubles owners but rarely troubles their pets! Pins come out through the skin and are joined to a connecting bar by a series of clamps.

Nancy, a middle aged grey hound was kicked one weekend by a horse in the London area and suffered a broken humerus. The case was seen promptly at the local Vets Now emergency clinic. The owner rang us as they had been estimated £6000 for specialist fixation of the fracture.

Here at West Midlands Veterinary Referrals we see this frequently in cats that have been shunted from behind by cars, often in association with other pelvic injuries.