A Retrospective Study of the Incidence, Age, Breed Predisposition and Types of Fractures in Household Dogs in Nairobi County, Kenya.

Abstract

A retrospective study was conducted between January 2014 and September 2016 within Nairobi County, Kenya and its environs to determine the prevalence of appendicular bone fractures in household dogs. Dogs being popular companion animals worldwide, have led to an increased number of dogs being kept as pets, thus, making them vulnerable to appendicular bone fractures. A study was conducted to determine the incidences and spatial distribution of appendicular bone fractures among household dogs. A total of 220 cases of fractures were randomly collected from veterinary clinics within the study area through retrieving all case records between January 2014 and September 2016. The overall incidence of bone fracture was 15% and the prevalence of the appendicular bone fractures was 76%. Highest bone fracture was recorded in males (62%), 7-14 months of age (33%), femur (22%) and medium breeds of dogs (6-10 kgs) (41%). The principle cause of appendicular bone fractures was observed to be vehicle accidents at 40%. The therapeutic intervention employed included external and internal fixation techniques, Plaster of Paris and intramedullary pins. Secondary infection, non-compliance of the owner, mal-union, non-union, cast bandage, plates and pin dehiscence's, cost implications and death of the patients during surgery were among the most observed bone fracture management challenges. This study concluded that household dogs sustain appendicular bone fractures, hence, there is need to encourage adoptions of digital modes of data storage, improve on surgical skills via targeted training, improve on facilities and provision of necessary surgical instruments, and encourage specializations among the veterinary professionals.