CONSEQUÊNCIAS DO TRAUMA PÉLVICO EM CÃES

Abstract

Fractures of the pelvis are common and may be accompanied by injuries to vital structures. Conservative treatment or surgery is usually recommended. The aim of this study was to evaluate the consequences of pelvic trauma in dogs and the results of clinical and surgical treatment. Twenty animals with fracture of the pelvis were used. The treatment, surgical or conservative, was primarily based on the type of fracture, extent of injuries and resources availability. 85% of the animals showed iliac fracture; 80% of the cases were bilateral pelvic fracture, and concurrent disorders, such as skin lesions, dyschesia, limb and column fracture, colon, urinary tract or diaphragm rupture, head trauma and death, were observed. In patients who underwent surgery there was recovery of ambulation, with full recovery after 90 days. This result was not repeated in patients which underwent conservative treatment. The surgical stabilization of bone segments provided clear pain reduction after seven days, increasing life quality and reducing the need for nursing, while 55% of the animals that were not operated died and other two had to be operated to correct complications as a result of the lack of previous surgical correction. The results indicate that, in dogs with pelvic trauma, surgical resolution should be primarily sought, and the presence of other concomitant organic disabling injuries or with the potential to lead to death should be verified. KEYWORDS: associated injuries; dog; fractures; pelvis.