Prevalence of fractures in dogs and cats treated in Manhuaçu, Minas Gerais: Retrospective study from May 2021 to May 2022ABSTRACT
Orthopedic diseases are common in small animal clinics, with fractures being the most frequent, caused mainly by car accidents, trauma, fights, and ballistic projectiles. The objective was to conduct a retrospective study of fractures in dogs and cats treated at a Municipal Veterinary Clinic in Minas Gerais. The medical records and radiographic image files of the patients were accessed, comprising data from May 2021 to May 2022, totaling 30 cases. Of these, 16.67% (5) were spine, 16.67% (5) ribs, 3.33% (1) skull, 16.67% (5) femur, 23.33% (7) pelvis, 13.33% (4) radius and ulna, and 10.00% (3) tibia and fibula. The skull fracture was exclusive to a feline; of the seven pelvic fractures, two were in felines and of the three tibia and fibula fractures, one was in a feline. The lower percentage values observed in felines, compared to dogs, may be due to the greater care that feline owners show towards their animals. The findings highlight the importance of preventive measures, especially in controlling animal access to public roads, to reduce the occurrence of traumatic fractures.
Keywords:
dogs; cats; orthopedics; radiology; trauma
RESUMO
Doenças ortopédicas são comuns em clínicas de pequenos animais, sendo as fraturas as mais frequentes, causadas principalmente por acidentes automobilísticos, traumas, brigas e também projéteis balísticos. O objetivo foi realizar um estudo retrospectivo das fraturas em cães e gatos atendidos em uma Clínica Veterinária Municipal de Minas Gerais. Foram acessados os prontuários e arquivos de imagens radiográficas dos pacientes, compreendendo dados de maio de 2021 a maio de 2022, totalizando 30 casos. Destes, 16,67% (5) eram de coluna, 16,67% (5) de costelas, 3,33% (1) de crânio, 16,67% (5) de fêmur, 23,33% (7) de pelve, 13,33% (4) de rádio e ulna e 10,00% (3) de tíbia e fíbula. A fratura de crânio foi exclusiva de um felino; das sete fraturas pélvicas, duas ocorreram em felinos, e das três fraturas de tíbia e fíbula, uma ocorreu em um felino. Os menores valores percentuais observados em felinos, em comparação aos cães, podem ser devido ao maior cuidado que os tutores de felinos demonstram com seus animais. Os achados ressaltam a importância de medidas preventivas, especialmente no controle do acesso de animais às vias públicas, a fim de reduzir a ocorrência de fraturas traumáticas.
Palavras-chave:
cães; gatos; ortopedia; radiologia; trauma
INTRODUCTION
In veterinary medicine for companion animals, orthopedic conditions account for a large percentage of cases in most clinics and referral centers in different parts of the world (Appari et al., 2013). Violent trauma, such as falls and car accidents, or minor trauma due to predisposing conditions are generally the most common causes of fractures (Beale, 2004).
A thorough orthopedic examination accompanied by imaging tests provide valuable information that accurately indicates the location, type, complexity and other complications associated with fractures (Rrisselada et al., 2005). When available, serial radiographs assist in monitoring the progression of bone healing and facilitate the decision-making process for the removal of orthopedic implants (Hobbs, 2012).
Retrospective and prospective studies are important to determine the prevalence of the most common diseases in each geographic region (Chaves, 2014). The incidence of bone fractures in small animals has been reported in different regions of the world (Libardoni et al., 2018 Lovrić et al., 2020).
This retrospective study aimed to provide descriptive data from a municipal veterinary clinic in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, to identify and determine the prevalence of fractures in small animals from May 2021 to May 2022.
ETHICAL ASPECTS
The research was submitted to the Ethics Committee on the Use of Animals (CEUA) of Faculdade do Futuro (FAF) in Manhuaçu, Minas Gerais, and approved under number 023/2021.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Data were manually extracted from the patients' medical records and radiographic image files using a standardized form that included the following variables: species, breed, sex, age, injury etiology, injury site, injuries to other systems, type of treatment (conservative, surgical, euthanasia), and therapy outcome.
Only animals with fractures diagnosed through radiographic examination were included in the study. No additional exclusion criteria were applied.
As this was a descriptive, retrospective study with a limited sample size, no inferential statistical analyses were performed. However, descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages, were used to summarize categorical variables. Additionally, the ages of the animals were summarized using measures of central tendency and dispersion (mean, median, standard deviation, and range).
RESULTS
The data regarding species, breed, sex, age, etiology of the injury, injury location, type of treatment, presence of injuries in other systems, and therapeutic outcome of the 29 dogs and cats with fractures are presented in Table 1. It is important to note that there were 30 fracture cases in 29 animals, as one animal sustained fractures in different bones. This refers to a four-year-old mixed-breed male dog that presented with multiple fractures in the pelvis, right femur, and left femur (Table 1).
The ages of the animals included in this study ranged from approximately one month to ten years, with a mean of 3.66 years and a standard deviation of 2.48 years. The median was 4 years, indicating that half of the animals were up to this age. The observed range was 9.67 years, evidencing a wide age range among the cases evaluated.
Of the thirty fractures included in the study, 17 (56.66%) occurred in male animals and 13 (43.33%) in females. In twenty-five out of the 30 cases, 25 (83.33%), the animals were mixed-breed; 2 (6.66%) were Rottweilers; 1 (3.33%) was a German Spitz; 1 (3.33%) a Blue Heeler; and 1 (3.33%) a Poodle (Fig. 1). The animals’ ages ranged from one month to ten years, and the age of only one animal could not be determined, as it was a stray. Four of the affected animals belonged to the feline species and twenty-five to the canine species.
Regarding the etiology of the injuries, 22 fractures (73.33%) were caused by car accidents, 7 (23.33%) by falls, and in 1 case (3.33%), the cause of trauma could not be determined (Fig. 2).
As for vertebral fractures and luxation, it was observed that 1 out of 5 cases (20%) affected the L1/L2 segment; 2 out of 5 (40%) the L6/L7 segment; 1 out of 5 (20%) the L5/L6 segment; and 1 out of 5 (20%) the T11/T12 segment (Fig 3).
Of the 29 animals evaluated, 10 (34.4%) presented injuries in other systems; 12 (41.3%) underwent conservative treatment, and another 12 (41.3%) received surgical treatment. Regarding therapeutic outcomes, 15 animals (51.9%) fully recovered, 5 (17.2%) were euthanized, 4 (13.7%) did not recover, 3 (10.3%) showed partial recovery, and 2 animals (6.9%) underwent limb amputation (Table 1).
Segmental location of spinal injuries in 5 animals with thoracolumbar fractures and dislocations.
Pelvic fractures were the most frequently reported during the study period. Of the seven pelvic fractures, 2 (28.6%) occurred in mixed-breed female cats, both one year old, and 5 (71.4%) in dogs aged between four and ten years, including three males and two females. Only one dog was a Blue Heeler, while the others were mixed-breed.
Among the pelvic fractures identified in the seven animals, 4 affected the left pubis, 2 the right pubis, 1 the left ischium, 1 the right ischium, 1 the right ilium, and 1 presented a bilateral ilium fracture. Fractures of the superior pubic rami were diagnosed bilaterally in one animal and unilaterally (left ramus) in another. Other identified injuries included: 1 comminuted fracture of the left acetabulum, 1 fracture of the pubic symphysis, and 1 coxofemoral luxation involving the left acetabulum (Fig. 4).
Ventrodorsal radiographs of 7 pelvic fractures in dogs and cats from a retrospective study conducted between May 2021 and May 2022. In each image, the fracture site is indicated by a yellow arrow. A. Radiograph of a cat with a fracture of the left superior pubic ramus and left pubis. B. Radiograph of a dog with a comminuted fracture of the left acetabulum. C. Radiograph of a dog with a complete fracture of the left pubis, fracture of the pubic symphysis, and coxofemoral luxation involving the right acetabulum. D. Radiograph of a dog with multiple pelvic fractures (bilateral ilium, bilateral superior pubic rami, and right pubis), along with complete fractures of both the right and left femurs. E. Radiograph of a dog with a fracture of the left ischium and left pubis. F. Radiograph of a dog with a fracture of the right ischium. G. Radiograph of a cat with a fracture of the right ilium and right pubis.
DISCUSSION
Although the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) does not provide specific data on the canine population in the municipality of Manhuaçu, Minas Gerais, it is possible to make an estimate based on demographic information and recognized parameters. According to the 2022 IBGE Census, Manhuaçu has a population of 91,886 inhabitants. The World Health Organization, in 2021 indicated an average ratio of one dog for every ten inhabitants in emerging countries. Applying this ratio, it is estimated that the local canine population is approximately 9,189 individuals (Diário de Manhuaçu, 2022) In the present study, 30 cases of fractures were recorded in a 12-month period, which corresponds to an average of 2.5 cases per month.
Between May 2021 and May 2022, 30 cases of fractures in dogs and cats were recorded at the Municipal Veterinary Clinic of Manhuaçu, affecting 29 animals. In Table 1, it is possible to observe that 86% occurred in dogs and 14% in cats. Batatinha et al. (2021) investigated in a clinic in the city of Petrolina/PE and observed a total of 55 cases of fractures in small animals. Of these, 87% occurred in dogs and 13% in cats. Milliard and Weng (2014), in a study with 659 fracture cases, found that 83% affected dogs and 17% cats. These studies demonstrate that fractures occur predominantly in dogs, indicating a consistent trend across different locations and samples, with dogs being more frequently affected by fractures than cats. Furthermore, a similar percentage distribution can be observed among the studies. Despite the differences in the number of cases between locations, the occurrence remains relatively stable, suggesting that this pattern may reflect a broader reality, not just a local one.
Scott (2005) describes that the lower incidence of fractures in cats, compared to dogs, is related to the greater care that guardians usually take with felines. Moreover, he emphasizes that cats, in general, spend more time indoors, which reduces their exposure to the dangers faced by dogs. The author also highlights that cats present certain orthopedic advantages over dogs, such as lower body weight, greater flexibility, straighter bones, and a lower genetic predisposition to orthopedic diseases.
Regarding breed distribution (Fig. 1), mixed-breed dogs (MBD) and cats (MB) were the most affected (83.4%). Siqueira et al. (2015), in a retrospective study, also found a higher occurrence in mixed-breed animals. It is suggested that this higher occurrence may be related to the larger population of mixed-breed dogs and cats, especially in urban areas, as well as increased exposure to risks such as free access to the streets and less supervision by guardians.
Concerning the etiology of fractures (Fig. 2), it was observed that 22 fractures (73.3%) were caused by car accidents, 7 (23.3%) by falls, and 1 (3.3%) had an undetermined cause. Batatinha et al., (2021) found similar data, in which 61% of the fractures resulted from car accidents and 23% from falls. Kemper and Diamante (2010) observed that most fractures, about 64.7%, were mainly caused by car accidents, while 17.7% were caused by falls. Similarly, Souza et al. (2011) found in their study that 76.3% of fractures were associated with run-overs and 17.7% resulted from falls. Car accidents are the leading cause of fractures in small animals, with falls ranking second. These data highlight the importance of accident prevention, especially related to traffic, as a fundamental measure to reduce the number of fracture cases in dogs and cats.
There was a predominance of vertebral injuries located in the L6/L7 segment (40%) and percentages of 20% in the L1/L2, L5, L6, and T11/T12 segments. These results corroborate those found by Jeffery (2010), who mentioned that the thoracolumbar junction is a very common site of fractures and vertebral injuries, accounting for approximately 50% of all vertebral column fractures in dogs. Weh and Kraus (2012) describe that this thoracolumbar location is more susceptible to causing severe spinal cord injury due to the close relationship between the vertebral column and the spinal cord.
Sadan et al. (2016) reported that most pelvic fractures occur in healthy animals under three years of age. Ünsaldı (1995) described that the animals in his study on the prevalence of pelvic fractures were between 1 and 3 years old. In this study, the average age for pelvic fractures was one year in cats and six years in dogs. The data for cats are consistent with the studies mentioned above, but in dogs, the average age exceeded three years. Johnson and Hulse (2005) reported in their research that there was no predisposition based on breed, age, or sex for pelvic fractures occurring in small animals. In this study, of the seven affected animals, only one was purebred; the age of the dogs ranged from 4 to 10 years, with four females and three males (Table 1).
Ünsaldı (1995) reported that about 80% of the cases with pelvic fractures presented multiple fractures. The data from this study show a close correlation with the report, in which 71.4% presented multiple pelvic fractures (Fig. 4A, C, D, E, G) and 28.6% were simple fractures (Fig. 4B, F).
Sadan et al. (2016) reported in their study that 54.5% of cats and 59.6% of dogs presented unilateral pubic fractures. In this study, unilateral pubic fractures were diagnosed in 50% of cats (Fig. 4G) and 60% of dogs (Fig. 4D). Decamp (2005) described the most common fracture as that of the ilium. In addition, Bouabdallah et al. (2020) reported in their study that the rate of ilial fractures among pelvic fractures was 35.7%. In the present study, it is revealed that the rate of ilial fractures among pelvic fractures was 14.2% for bilateral ilial fractures in dogs and 14.2% for right ilium fractures in cats, resulting in a total of 28.4% when combining the species.
According to Boswell et al. (2001), the incidence of acetabular fractures ranges from 14% to 43%. Bouabdallah et al. (2020) reported that the incidence of acetabular and pubic fractures was 21.4% in their studies. In this study, the rates were 71.4% and 14.2%, respectively. Of the 14.2% of pubic fractures, three animals presented left pubic fractures (Fig. 4A, C, E) and two animals right pubic fractures (Fig. 4D, G).
Bouabdallah et al., (2020) reported that the rate of ischial fractures is 18.9%. Sadan et al. (2016) described that the incidence of unilateral ischial fractures is 67.9% in dogs and 64.3% in cats. In this study, unilateral ischial fractures were observed in 28.5% of dogs (Fig. 4E, F) and in no cats. Yurtal et al. (2022) reported an incidence of ischial fractures of 67.9% in dogs.
As described in Table 1, fractures of the radius and ulna accounted for 10% of the total. This percentage is slightly lower than that reported by Batatinha et al. (2021), who observed a rate of 19%. Decamp (2005) reported that fractures of the tibia and fibula represented 11.7% of all fractures in his study. In the present study, a percentage of 10% was observed.
Batatinha et al. (2021) reported that femoral fractures accounted for 46% of fractures in small animals. In the present study, the percentage was 16%, which is closer to the data reported by Siqueira et al. (2015), who described a rate of 23%.
The percentages found in this study are slightly lower than those reported in previous studies. However, it is important to consider methodological differences and the demographic profiles of the animals evaluated in each study.
Fighera et al. (2008) reported a 9.7% incidence of rib fractures in dogs. Adams et al. (2010) found that, of the 33 cases of rib fractures in cats studied over a nine-year period, 17 were caused by trauma and 16 by non-traumatic causes. They also noted that older cats were more likely to suffer rib fractures resulting from non-traumatic causes.
In this study, the incidence of rib fractures in dogs was 16.6%. It is suggested that the etiology and frequency of rib fractures vary according to species, age, and underlying cause.
Rodrigues et al. (2017) conducted an analysis of the main causes of death in domestic cats treated at the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, through a retrospective study of necropsies conducted over a period of 36 years, covering a total of 350 individuals. In this context, fractures were highlighted as one of the relevant etiologies associated with death, with a higher prevalence of those located in the femur and mandible, followed by fractures of the tibia, as well as cervical and sacral vertebrae. Such injuries were mostly linked to trauma resulting from falls, being run over, and confrontations with other animals. It is noteworthy, however, that the authors did not specify the percentage distribution of each type of fracture observed.
In the scope of the present study, the occurrence of a tibia fracture was observed in a feline, with no fractures being found in the other bone segments mentioned by Rodrigues et al. (2017).
In addition, Siqueira (2023) assessed 262 orthopedic clinical records, of which 89 (33.97%) corresponded to domestic animals that presented fractures in long bones of the appendicular skeletal system. Among these, 75 (84.27%) were dogs and 14 (15.73%) cats. The analysis of the distribution of cases indicated a higher incidence in males, which represented 43.82% of fractures in dogs and 8.99% in cats, while females corresponded to 40.45% and 6.74%, respectively. The predominant age range of affected animals was between 6 months and 2 years of age.
Similarly, in the present study, a predominance of fractures in males was observed, which corresponded to 53.33% of cases. The ages of the animals included ranged from approximately one month to ten years, with an average of 3.66 years and a standard deviation of 2.48 years. The median was 4 years, showing that 50% of the individuals evaluated were up to this age.
Among the limitations of this study are the small sample size, the retrospective nature of the data, and the absence of long-term follow-up, which may limit the generalizability of the results.
CONCLUSION
The present study revealed that fractures in dogs and cats treated at the Municipal Veterinary Clinic of Manhuaçu between May 2021 and May 2022 occurred predominantly in male, mixed-breed dogs, with a higher incidence in animals involved in automobile accidents. The pelvis was the most affected region, with multiple fractures observed in a significant number of cases. Both conservative and surgical treatments were applied in equal proportion, with a full recovery rate in just over half of the animals. The findings highlight the importance of preventive measures, especially in controlling animal access to public roads, to reduce the occurrence of traumatic fractures.
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DIÁRIO DE MANHUAÇU. População de Manhuaçu é de 91.886 habitantes, mostra Censo 2022. Disponível em: https://diariodemanhuacu.com.br/2023/cidade/populacao-de-manhuacu-e-de-91-886-habitantes-mostra-censo-2022/. Acessado em: 30 maio 2025.
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Data-in-article - the research data is available in the body of the document.
