Successful Surgical Management of A Combined Case of Flail Chest and Humerus Fracture in a Pomeranian Dog

Abstract

Successful surgical management of a combined case of flail chest and humerus fracture in an 8 month old female pomeranian dog is described. The patient was presented at Multi Speciality Veterinary Hospital Kudappanakkunnu with a history of wild boar attack an hour previously. On physical examination a lacerated wound with paradoxical movement on breathing was seen over the distal third of 3rd to 5th ribs on the left chest wall making it a case of flail chest. On radiographic examination complete fracture on distal third of 3rd and 4th ribs were observed along with pneumothorax beneath the region of wound. There was also a complete mid-shaft transverse fracture on the left humerus which was confirmed by radiography. Under general anaesthesia the fractured edges of the ribs were apposed using sutures and the pneumothorax was eliminated. The complete mid-shaft transverse fracture was corrected using retrograde intramedullary pinning. The patient made a dramatic recovery from the very next day after the surgery itself and complete healing of wound took by 18 days post surgery. This case point towards the need of immediate surgical intervention for a case of flail chest and proper care of the patient post operatively.