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.

A nine-year-old male European shorthair cat was referred to our practice with severe head trauma after suffering a road traffic accident (RTA). The patient presented marked facial swelling and multiple skin wounds and bruising, inspiratory dyspnea, palpable mandibular and maxillary fractures, serosanguinolent oronasal discharge and right eye exophthalmos and buphthalmos with loss of menace and pupillary reflex. After stabilizing the patient, a CT scan was performed under general anesthesia and an oesophagostomy tube was placed. The scan revealed the presence of multiple right tympanic bulla fractures. Multiple mandibular, maxillary, and palatine fractures were also present. The cat underwent surgery. Mandibular symphyseal separation and maxillary fractures were stabilized using intraoral cerclage wire fixation reinforced with composite and the right eye was enucleated. The rest of the fractures were treated conservatively. A CT scan 4 months after the trauma was also performed. At this point, the maxillofacial fractures were healing properly, and a bone callus demonstrating fusion of fragments of the right tympanic bulla was evident. There was absence of abnormal content inside the right tympanic bulla. The patient recovered uneventfully with no neurological deficits. To the author's knowledge this is the first case reporting a traumatic tympanic bulla fracture in the cat with case follow up, and the first case reported using CT as diagnostic imaging test.

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.