A retrospective study on the incidence of long bone fractures in dogs

Abstract

A five-year retrospective study was conducted from September 2019 to September 2024 aimed to assess the incidence of long bone fractures in dogs referred to the Small Animal Surgery unit, Veterinary Clinical Complex, Veterinary College and Research Institute, Namakkal. A total of 1,950 dogs were presented with a history of long bone fractures. Femoral fractures were the most frequently observed, followed by those of the tibia-fibula, radius-ulna, and humerus. The leading causes of these fractures were automobile accidents, falls from height, fights/hunting and some of them were due to dog bites. Dogs aged 1-6 months exhibited the highest incidence compared to other age groups. The occurrence was most prevalent in non-descript breeds. Transverse fractures were the most common type, followed by oblique, spiral, multiple, and comminuted fractures.