Retrospective evaluation of the diagnosis of acetabular fracture in cattle and the outcome after conservative treatment

Acetabular fractures are rare in cattle, and their prognosis has generally been considered unfavourable. The goal of this retrospective study was to determine the diagnosis, treatment, and outcome in 36 cattle with 37 acetabular fractures presented to the Unit of Ruminant Surgery, University of Zurich Veterinary Hospital, from January 2016 to November 2024. All cattle were female and mostly young (13 months, median age; range, 9 – 92 months). The median lameness score was 3/5 (range 1 – 5/5), and all cattle could stand. A diagnosis of acetabular fracture was based on clinical and radiographic findings. Adjunctive ultrasonography was used in 21 cases. Simple fractures were the most common and occurred in 25 cattle; one heifer had bilateral simple acetabular fractures with ischial involvement. Fractures with 1–2 additional fragments occurred in four cattle, and seven animals had comminuted fractures. Treatment consisted of stall rest for 3 months. Based on owner information, most cattle (31/36, 86.0 %) were sound after 3 months, and 34/36 (94.4 %) were free of lameness 6 months after admission. By the end of November 2024, most cattle (27/36) had calved at least once since admission to our clinic, and 24/25 cows (available information) had unassisted calvings. Twenty-one of the 36 cows were still productive at the end of the study. Based on our findings, the prognosis of acetabular fractures in cattle is favourable. Conservative treatment consisting of stall rest and pain management is straightforward, providing a good long-term outcome.