SURGICAL MANAGEMENT OF FRACTURES AND LUXATIONS OF THE TARSUS IN THE DROMEDARY CAMEL (Camelus dromedarius)

Thirty eight camels were presented with tarsal lameness; 15 animals had avulsion of the tuber calcis while another 6 suffered from fracture of the fibular tarsal bone at its base. Fractures of central, second & third and fourth tarsal bones occurred in three animals. Lameness in the remaining 14 animals was due to luxation of the tarsometatarsal, tibio-tarsal or the first inter-tarsal joints. Out of these animals, 6 avulsion fractures were treated with Steinmann's pin and tension band wiring. Four animals were treated with modified inverted L plates. Two animal were treated with cortical stcew and tension band wiring. Plate and screws were used to treat two comminuted fractures of the fibular tarsal bone. Subluxation of the tarso-metatarsal joint (3 cases) or of the proximal inter-tarsal joint was stabilised by plate and screws. Three animals were managed conservatively. Follow-up cases showed that tarso-metatarsal subluxations had a good prognosis, while results with luxation of the tibio-tarsal joint had poor prognosis.