Surgical correction of a closed comminuted diaphyseal fracture of the humerus in a pet golden hamster (Mesocricetus auratus)

Background

Rodents are prone to orthopedic lesions due to trauma and accidents, which are common in the smallest species such as hamsters. Little is published about successful orthopedic surgery cases in these small rodents.

Case description

A 1.5-yr-old intact male golden hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) weighing 86 grams was presented for a sat-on-by-the-owner accident the previous night. Static orthopedic evaluation revealed an increase of tissue volume on the left humerus, while walk/trot grade IV lameness of the left forelimb was seen. Radiographs were taken under anesthesia using midazolam 1.5 mg/kg s.c. and buprenorphine 0.02 mg/kg s.c., along with isoflurane 1.5% showed a complete comminuted diaphyseal, closed fracture of the proximal third of the left humerus and a slightly displaced short oblique simple fracture of the distal radius. Osteosynthesis of the left humerus using a tie-in fixator, a combination of an intramedullary pin linked to a Type 1 unilateral-uniplanar external skeletal fixator was performed. Intramedullary 0.8 mm gauge needle and surgical 0.28 mm Kirschner stainless steel needles were used placing one on the proximal fragment and another one on the distal fragment. Needles were joined using a polymethyl methacrylate polymer connecting bar.

Conclusions and case relevance

Proprioceptive improvement was noted from the third week following surgery, and the hamster showed normal support of the affected limb 4 weeks postsurgery. A tie-in fixator was comfortably and successfully used in the present case and could be applied in other similar cases as more reports on positive treatment outcomes are needed in small rodent surgery.