Greyhound With a Fractured Kneecap Diagnosed Late
by Stephen
(Australia)
Reader Question
My 7 year old female greyhound (non racing) has a severe fracture of her hind patella. Unfortunately the fracture was not diagnosed until 2 months after the injury. It seems patella surgery is rarely performed here, and the vets are reluctant to do this. At the same time they offer amputation as a likely long term outcome!
I am curious to learn of the extent of the reduced likely hood of a successful surgery as a result of the time lapse? Is it likely to now be hard to achieve a reasonably clean surface for the bone segments to knit together?
Thanks,
Steve
I am curious to learn of the extent of the reduced likely hood of a successful surgery as a result of the time lapse? Is it likely to now be hard to achieve a reasonably clean surface for the bone segments to knit together?
Thanks,
Steve
Answer from Our Team
Kneecap fractures are uncommon in dogs, and a delay of two months does make repair harder: the fracture edges round off, scar tissue forms and the muscles pulling on the kneecap shorten. Even so, partial removal of the kneecap, fixation, or salvage options may still be possible, and amputation is usually a last resort.
Because these cases are rare, ask for a referral to a board-certified veterinary surgeon, who can review the X-rays and possibly a CT scan and discuss realistic outcomes.
See dog knee problems.
This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.
Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Knee.
