Characterization of Femoral and Tibial Fractures in Dogs in Lusaka, Zambia: A Retrospective Study

Abstract

A retrospective radiological study characterized (Sex, Age, Breed, Site, Alignment, Extent, Orientation and Type) femoral and tibial fractures in dogs at Showgrounds Veterinary Clinic, Lusaka, Zambia, from 2000 to 2017. Out of 161 screened radiographs, 79 were for femoral fractures and 82 for tibial fractures. For femoral fractures, males were more represented (48.1%) than females (38.0%). Young dogs accounted for 31.6% of cases, and Mongrel/mixed breeds were most common (35.4%). Single, complete, transverse, overriding diaphyseal fractures were most frequent. No association was found between sex and fracture type (p = 0.67). Associations between sex, age and breed were not performed for other fracture characteristics due to the small number of observations in the various categories. Tibial fractures were more common in males (51.2%). Adults (82.9%) and large/giant breeds (47.6%) were more affected. The most common tibial fractures were single, complete, short-oblique overriding diaphyseal fractures. No significant associations were found between age and fracture type (p = 1.00), age and alignment (p = 0.3612), sex and type (p = 0.3143), or sex and alignment (p = 1.00). Association of breeds with fracture characteristic was not performed due to small numbers of observation in various categories. This study provides crucial characterization of these fractures at Showgrounds Veterinary Clinic, information that is necessary to guide client education and knowledge sharing among veterinary professionals.