Distal radial and ulnar fractures in miniature- and toy-breed dogs are associated with high rates of delayed union, non-union, and refracture. This retrospective observational study evaluated the outcomes of simple distal radial and ulnar fractures treated by open reduction and internal fixation using a locking plate in a non-rigid configuration. Ten fractures in eight dogs weighing less than 5 kg were included. Cases were selected according to predefined biomechanical construct criteria, including a plate bridge ratio > 0.7, plate span ratio > 10, plate working length > 40% of the plate length, and screw density < 0.6. The median radiographic follow-up was 224 days (range, 46–408 days). Radiographic bone healing was achieved in all cases, with a mean time to union of 53 days (range, 28–113 days), and healing occurred faster in skeletally immature dogs. Indirect bone healing with callus formation was observed in 7 of 10 fractures. Minor postoperative complications occurred in three cases and resolved with local treatment. No implant failures or refractures associated with previous screw holes were observed. A reduction in ulnar thickness was identified in evaluable cases, although this finding remained stable during follow-up and did not appear clinically relevant. These findings suggest that locking plate fixation in a non-rigid configuration provides reliable bone healing with a low complication rate in simple distal radial and ulnar fractures of miniature- and toy-breed dogs.

Cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) rupture in cats is less common than in dogs, and its optimal treatment remains a subject of debate. This study aimed to evaluate the application of cranial tibial wedge osteotomy (CTWO) as a dynamic stabilization technique in cats with CrCL rupture, describing the technical aspects and clinical outcomes obtained. Five cases with a confirmed diagnosis of CrCL rupture between 2020 and 2024 were included in this study. All patients were treated with CTWO using specific osteosynthesis locking plates designed for use in dogs and a complementary cerclage wire. Radiographic rechecks were performed at 8 and 12 weeks postoperatively, and clinical evaluations were performed 24 h, 8 weeks, 12 weeks, and 6 months postoperatively in every patient. Successful and complete bone healing of the tibial osteotomy was observed in every case. No intraoperative or postoperative complications related to implants or soft tissues were recorded. All cats achieved complete functional recovery without lameness at the last recheck six months after surgery. The technique was performed without significant technical difficulties, providing adequate stability and favorable clinical outcomes in all cases. These preliminary results support the use of CTWO as an effective surgical alternative for the treatment of CrCL rupture in cats. However, further studies with a larger number of cases and a longer follow-up are required to better evaluate its clinical application, outcomes, and influence on osteoarthritis progression in the long term.

Two fishes, a northern pike (Exos lucius) and a tiger catfish (Pseudoplatystoma fasciatum), suffered severe open maxillofacial fractures after collisions with ornamentation of their aquarium. Both underwent surgical procedures under general anesthesia to repair the fractures. These fractures were treated with fracture fixation techniques employing interfragmentary bone cerclage wires and absorbable monofilament sutures (polydioxanone). Complete recovery was achieved in both cases, with good short- and long-term results. One year after surgery, both patients had good quality of life with complete functional recovery and were able to eat normally. This paper demonstrates the viability of this kind surgical treatment in clinical ichthyology, providing relevant experience for the clinical management of fish species suffering maxillofacial trauma of zoological, exhibition or companion value.

Cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) rupture in cats is less common than in dogs, and its optimal treatment remains a subject of debate. The aim of this study was to evaluate the application of cranial tibial wedge osteotomy technique (CTWO) as a dynamic stabilization technique in cats with CrCL rupture, describing the technical aspects and clinical outcomes obtained. Five cases with a confirmed diagnosis of CrCL rupture between 2020 and 2024 were included in this study. All patients were treated with CTWO using specific osteosynthesis locking plates for this technique in dogs and a complementary cerclage wire. Radiographic rechecks were performed at 8 and 12 weeks postoperatively and clinical evaluations were performed 24 hours, 8 weeks, 12 weeks and six months postoperatively in every patient. Successful and complete bone healing of the tibial osteotomy was observed in every case. No intraoperative or postoperative complications related to implants or soft tissues were recorded. All cats achieved a complete functional recovery without lameness at the last recheck six months after surgery. The technique was performed without significant technical difficulties, providing adequate stability and favorable clinical outcomes in all cases. Although the use of a cranial tibial wedge osteotomy in combination with a tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) was reported by Hoot et al to treat a cruciate ligament rupture in a cat presenting a deformity of the proximal tibia (Hoot et al), to the authors´ knowledge the use of the cranial tibial wedge osteotomy as single technique to treat the CrCL rupture in cats has not been previously reported in the literature. These preliminary results support the use of CTWO as an effective surgical alternative for the treatment of CrCL rupture in cats. However, further studies with a larger number of cases and a longer follow-up are required to evaluate better its clinical application, outcomes and influence on osteoarthritis progression in the long term.

Distal radial and ulnar fractures in miniature and toy-breed dogs are associated with high rates of delayed union, non-union, and refracture. This retrospective observational study evaluated the outcomes of simple distal radial and ulnar fractures treated by open reduction and internal fixation using a locking plate in a non-rigid configuration. Ten fractures in eight dogs weighing less than 5 kg were included. Cases were selected according to predefined biomechanical construct criteria, including a plate bridge ratio > 0.7, plate span ratio > 10, plate working length > 40% of plate length, and screw density < 0.6. Median radiographic follow-up was 224 days (range, 46–408 days). Radiographic bone healing was achieved in all cases, with a mean time to union of 53 days (range, 28–113 days) and healing occurred faster in skeletally immature dogs. Indirect bone healing with callus formation was observed in 7 of 10 fractures. Minor postoperative complications occurred in three cases and resolved with local treatment. No implant failures or refractures associated with previous screw holes were observed. A reduction in ulnar thickness was identified in evaluable cases, although this finding remained stable during follow-up and did not appear clinically relevant. These findings suggest that locking plate fixation in a non-rigid configuration provides reliable bone healing with a low complication rate in simple distal radial and ulnar fractures of miniature- and toy-breed dogs.

Mandibular fractures are a common injury in dogs and are associated with relatively high complication rates. The main goals of treatment are to provide stable fixation to promote bone healing, preserve the teeth and surrounding anatomical structures, and restore normal dental occlusion. Several treatment techniques have been described, including external skeletal fixation, bone plates and screws, interdental and intraosseous cerclage wiring, and dental splints used alone or in combination with cerclage fixation. However, all have inherent limitations. The objective of this study was to describe a novel intraoral fixation technique and evaluate its clinical application. The technique consists of a lingual arch anchored to the teeth or mandibular bone using cerclage wires and reinforced with bis-acrylic resin. Six dogs presenting with 11 mandibular body fractures, 10 of them opened toward oral cavity and with anatomically unfavorable configurations, were treated. The fractures were located rostral to or involved the alveolus of the first premolar. Ten fractures were open and potentially contaminated through the oral cavity, while one was closed. All patients achieved bone healing (mean, 70.8 days; range, 63–96 days). All patients recovered their pre-traumatic dental occlusion and showed no dental damage as a consequence of the intervention. The only complication observed in all cases was irritation of the oral mucosa at the contact points with the fixator. This resolved favorably within one week without antibiotic treatment. The potential advantages and limitations of the technique compared with existing fixation methods are also discussed.