title: Contamination and infection of fractures resulting from gunshot trauma in dogs: 20 cases (1987-1992).
abstract: Medical records of 20 dogs with gunshot fractures were reviewed to determine the prevalence of preoperative contamination and postoperative osteomyelitis. Fractures were repaired primarily by application of a bone plate (n = 16) or external fixator (n = 2) in buttress fashion or application of interfragmentary screws and pins (n = 2). In 17 dogs, an autogenous bone graft was also used. Results of bacteriologic culture of swab specimens obtained intraoperatively for 15 of the 16 dogs that received antimicrobials preoperatively and for all 4 dogs that did not receive antimicrobials preoperatively were negative. Three dogs developed osteomyelitis at 6, 8, and 10 weeks following surgery; for all 3, results of bacteriologic culture of specimens obtained intraoperatively had been negative. Fracture healing was uncomplicated in the remaining dogs (mean follow-up time, 23 months; range, 2 to 58 months). Despite the potential for contamination associated with gunshot trauma, results indicated a low prevalence of preoperative fracture contamination and postoperative osteomyelitis. These results imply either a low contamination rate or treatable contamination of the perifracture area.
authors.affiliation: Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg 24061-0442.
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Doherty
authors.forename: M M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Smith
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016025:Bone Transplantation / Q000662:veterinary; D004285:Dogs / Q000293:injuries*; D017102:Fracture Healing; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D010019:Osteomyelitis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D011292:Premedication / Q000662:veterinary; D015995:Prevalence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014946:Wound Infection / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D014948:Wounds, Gunshot / Q000150:complications / Q000662:veterinary*
chemical_list: D000890:Anti-Infective Agents