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External fixation in cats is primarily used to treat limb fractures and deformities. This is achieved using an external fixator, which is comprised of a “bridging” bar and several metal pins. These pins are threaded through the bone and fixed to the bridging bar, holding it in place during the recovery period. There are three main types of fixators: standard, circular, and hybrid. The type of fixator used will depend on the location and severity of the fracture or deformity.
The procedure steps may vary based on the type of fixator used and the location of the fracture. The general procedure steps for fitting an external fixator are outlined below.
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The efficacy of external fixation will depend on how well the pins are maintained after fixation. If owners do not practice proper and thorough pin care, the bone will not heal correctly. Infection is a common result of poor pin care. External fixation, provided that owners explicitly follow their veterinarian’s pin care instructions, is usually very effective in healing broken or fractured bones.
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After the surgeon has fitted a fixator, it is crucial that owners follow all aftercare instructions. If these instructions are not followed carefully, the bone will not heal.
General Pin Care Instructions
It is imperative that owners prevent the pin sites from getting infected. Infected pin sites are red and inflamed. Infected pin sites will cause pain and discomfort for the cat and will slow the healing process. Avoiding proper pin care can also result in damage to the pins. They may come loose or break, which will result in improper and delayed healing. If owners have any questions about pin care, they should contact their veterinary surgeon.
Antibiotics and analgesics will be prescribed to ward off infection and manage postoperative pain. Cats are generally required to undergo cage rest, but may engage in limited activity – no running, jumping, or climbing – in small rooms under the owner’s supervision as recommended by the surgeon. The veterinarian or surgeon may recommend hydrotherapy to promote limb function. Owners should monitor their cats at all times during the recovery period. When left alone, cats should be confined to a small crate or kennel. If the crate is made of wire, cats should not be able to catch the pins or fixator on the wire as this can damage the fixator and the bone.
After the fracture has healed, usually within three to four months provided no complications have occurred, the veterinarian or surgeon will remove the fixator and take an additional x-ray to ensure the fracture has healed.
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The cost of external fixation will vary based on the type of fixator used and additional costs incurred. The average cost of external fixation, including preoperative and postoperative imaging, ranges from $2,000 to $2,700.
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There are several complications associated with poor external fixator care. These include, but are not limited to:
Some of these complications will warrant pin removal. Others will delay healing significantly. Drainage is the most common complication of external fixation. Excessive, prolonged drainage should be avoided, as this can cause severe infection and may result in pin damage.
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Ensuring cats do not participate in activities that may cause severe fracture can prevent the need for external fixation. Some conditions, such as joint destabilization, are difficult to prevent.
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Ask a Vet
Mirruno
Tuxedo
5 Years
Mild severity
0 found helpful
Mild severity
Has Symptoms
My cat had a femur fracture and got a n external fixation that became loose, the vethas removed it. I would like to know if there is any chance another fixation is put in place. Thank you.
March 11, 2018
Mirruno's Owner
0 Recommendations
The decision to do another external fixation, internal fixation, cast or other treatment would be down to the severity of the injury and your Veterinarian’s discretion. Each case is treated individually and the best option is chosen whether it is external fixation or another method. Without examining Mirruno, knowing the timeline (how long was everything in place for) and seeing x-rays etc… I cannot say whether he should have another surgery or not, you should discuss with your Veterinarian. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
March 11, 2018
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Izzy
Blue
4 Years
Moderate severity
0 found helpful
Moderate severity
Has Symptoms
Cat is currently at vets for me to decide to amputate or get external fixation. What's the best course? Does fixation cause problems in the future? I would like an opinion
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