2 research outputs found
Suitability of Permanent Probe Implants For the Measurement of Intramedullary Perfusion and Temperature Near the Bone Cortex: A Pilot Study Using a Rabbit Model
This study was conducted to test the suitability of permanent probe implants for the measurement ofĀ intramedullary perfusion by laser Doppler flowmetry and for the measurement of temperature near theĀ bone cortex. Measurements were carried out on the conscious animal in order to rule out the influence ofĀ anaesthesia on intramedullary perfusion and temperature. During the first experimental animal trials, someĀ of the probes made of polysulphon broke and/or gave false temperature measurements, so the originalĀ probe design was modified. The probes were reinforced with metal, and the temperature sensors were madeĀ less permeable to moisture. These modified probes were found to be suitable for permanent measurementĀ of intramedullary perfusion and of temperature near the cortex in the conscious rabbit.
Treatment options, complications and longāterm outcomes for limb fractures in pet rabbits
Background
Limb fractures represent the most common orthopaedic disease in pet rabbits. However, only a few studies have evaluated therapeutic details of limb fractures. There are no data available for longāterm outcomes of limb fracture treatment.
Methods
The medical records of six institutions were reviewed retrospectively to identify cases of traumatic limb bone fractures in pet rabbits between 1999 and 2020. The medical records (n = 387) were analysed for details of fracture prevalence, aetiology, therapy protocols, treatment complications, outcome and longāterm effects. In addition to the retrospective data evaluation, 13 rabbits were reāevaluated in person in recent clinical analyses, including orthopaedic examination, radiography and computedātomographic imaging. Details of longāterm effects of fracture treatment were requested over the telephone for a further 232 animals using a standardised questionnaire.
Results
Long bone fractures accounted for the majority of all fractures (296/387; 76.5%). Hindlimb fractures (301/387; 77.7%) were more common than forelimb fractures (86/387; 22.2%), and tibial fractures and combined fractures of the tibia and fibula (119/387; 30.8%) were observed most frequently. Most fracture treatments were based on osteosynthesis procedures (243/328; 74.1%). Treatment complications occurred in 130 out of 328 (39.6%) cases. A high bodyweight (p = 0.047) and an older age (p = 0.01) were found to be significant risk factors for the emergence of therapy complications. Overall, 75.4% of animals (175/232) had a satisfactory longāterm outcome. Limb posture anomalies were evaluated in 61 cases (26.3%).
Limitations
The multiācentre approach led to the inclusion of various institutions, veterinarians, treatment protocols and rabbit populations that might have influenced the results. The medical records were reviewed retrospectively, so there were some data that were lacking or could not be collected in a standardised manner. Furthermore, rabbit owners' evaluation of longāterm outcomes might be prone to error, despite the use of a standardised interview questionnaire.
Conclusion
Limb fractures are a common orthopaedic issue in pet rabbits. The patient's bodyweight and age are significant risk factors for the emergence of complications during the fracture treatment process. Longāterm orthopaedic effects, such as abnormal limb posture and permanent lameness of the affected limb, were observed regularly