External fixator and second intention wound treatment in open fracture with extensive loss of cutaneous and muscular tissue in a dog’s thoracic limb – case report

This paper describes the case of a dog with an open radial and ulnar fracture associated with radiocarpal subluxation and great loss of adjacent tissues. Radial and ulnar osteosynthesis, as well as arthrodesis, were performed with modified type I external fixator. The traumatic wound was treated daily with a mixture of crystal sugar and nitrofurazone, for second intention healing. The wound epithelialization occurred within 60 postoperative days along with fracture healing which led to the removal of the external fixator. The patient returned 7 months after surgery showing good locomotion, with no clinical evidence of lameness. The techniques used in this case presented good results with good healing, good fracture stabilization and adequate immobilization of the radiocarpal joint.