Paw (Manus and Pes)

This chapter discusses fractures of the metacarpals (MC), metatarsals (MT), and phalanges as seen in the pet population. Fractures of the manus (forepaw) or pes (hind paw) can often occur as a result of a low‐velocity trauma (stepped on by a person, wrapped in a leash). Overall outcomes with fractur...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inFracture Management for the Small Animal Practitioner pp. 199 - 204
Main Author Sylvestre, Anne M
Format Book Chapter
LanguageEnglish
Published Hoboken, NJ, USA John Wiley & Sons, Inc 31.05.2019
Subjects
cat
dog
external coaptation
manus
metacarpal fractures
metatarsal fractures
pes
phalangeal Fractures
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Summary:This chapter discusses fractures of the metacarpals (MC), metatarsals (MT), and phalanges as seen in the pet population. Fractures of the manus (forepaw) or pes (hind paw) can often occur as a result of a low‐velocity trauma (stepped on by a person, wrapped in a leash). Overall outcomes with fractures of the digits are very good but the management of these injuries can sometimes be frustrating. Longer healing time for fractures of the paw can be expected (8‐12 weeks rather than 6‐8 weeks) as these bones have a poorer blood supply. The potential issues with prolonged splinting and the frequent bandage changes necessary can be a source of frustration for the owners, the patient, and the medical team. External coaptation is a good choice for managing fractures of the paw, even when all four MC/MT bones are affected. Immature patients will heal more quickly.
ISBN:1119215811
9781119215813
DOI:10.1002/9781119215950.ch18