Fractures

Fractures


Rib in the Neonate



Basic Information image



Definition


Separation of a rib into two or more pieces under stress



Synonym(s)




• Broken rib


• Flail chest



Epidemiology



Species, Age, Sex


Most occurrences are at the time of parturition.



Risk Factors




• Large birth weight of foal


• Dystocia



Clinical Presentation



History, Chief Complaint




• Rib fractures detected during routine well foal examination


• Tachypnea, flail chest


• Attitude and appetite are often normal.



Physical Exam Findings




• Groaning or grunting by the foal, subcutaneous edema over the ribs and axilla near the elbows, pain and crepitus on palpation of the affected rib(s)


• Flail chest: Paradoxical movement of a segment of the chest wall separated from the rest by multiple adjacent fractured ribs



Etiology and Pathophysiology




• Trauma to the ribcage during parturition is believed to be the most significant factor associated with rib fractures. Postnatal trauma could also result in rib fractures.


• Most fractures are located very near the costochondral junction. The distal piece of the fragmented rib typically displaces axially.


• Laceration of the myocardium and or great vessels is fatal.

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Jul 24, 2016 | Posted by in SMALL ANIMAL | Comments Off on Fractures

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