SURGICAL MANAGEMENT OF A CALCANEUS FRACTURE IN A PET RABBIT

Abstract A 4-year old, 1.9 kg spayed female rabbit ( Oryctolagus cuniculus ) was presented with a non–weight-bearing lameness of the left hind limb. The physical examination was unremarkable except for the non–weight-bearing lameness. Palpation of the left hind limb revealed severe swelling of the tarsal joint and crepitus during its manipulation. Radiographs showed a comminuted fracture of the body of the calcaneus. A combination of internal and external fixation was used to stabilize the fractured calcaneus. A 1 mm intramedullary pin was placed normograde through the calcaneal tuber to the fifth metatarsal bone. Using 1 mm pins, a type IIa transarticular external fixator was placed at the level of the distal tibia and proximal metatarsal bones. The patient recovered uneventfully, and bone healing was evident 2 months after the surgical treatment. There is little information describing orthopedic treatment for calcaneus fractures in rabbits. In this case, intramedullary pinning was used with a type IIa transarticular external fixator, to stabilize the fracture and achieve a good functional outcome.