Acta Veterinaria Eurasia
Case Report

Type II Resin-acrylic External Skeletal Fixation in the Repair of Proximal Radial and Ulnar Fracture in a Llama (Lama glama)

1.

Department of Veterinary Surgery and Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu - São Paulo, Brazil

2.

Municipal Zoological Park “Quinzinho de Barros”, Sorocaba, São Paulo, Brazil

Acta Vet Eurasia 2021; 47: 117-120
DOI: 10.5152/actavet.2021.20065
Read: 1385 Downloads: 649 Published: 04 May 2021

This report describes the use of external skeletal fixation using acrylic connecting bars to repair a complex fracture in a llama. A 10-month-old male llama (Lama glama), weighing around 45 kg, was referred for the study owing to the presence of a fracture. Plain radiographs showed long oblique fracture of the proximal third of the radius with the presence of a fissure and multifragmentary fracture between proximal and middle third of the ulna. A Type II resin-acrylic external skeletal fixator was then applied. Two months after surgery, radiographs showed bridging of the fracture site by callus and partial obliteration of the fracture line, and the external fixator was removed. At the last follow-up, 9 years after surgery, the llama was able to bear full weight  on the left limb during walking and trotting, with no signs of lameness. The incorporation of transfixion pin in acrylic sidebars rather than in a cast can be used as another option to treat fractures in llamas.

Cite this article as: Woods, L. S., Rahal, S. C., Teixeira, R. H. F., Mamprim, M. J., Teixeira, C. R., Mesquita, L. dR., & Genari Filho, T. (2021). Type II Resin-acrylic External Skeletal Fixation in the Repair of Proximal Radial and Ulnar Fracture in a Llama (Lama glama). Acta Veterinaria Eurasia, 47(2): 117-120.

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