Occurrence and Surgical Management of Unilateral Horn Fractures in Cattle-A Retrospective Study Patil A.S.1,*, Balaganur Venkanna2, Kumar G.K. Anil2, Nagaraj B.N.3 Veterinary Hospital University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), Dharwad-580005 (Karnataka) 1Assistant Professor Department of Veterinary Surgery, KVAFSU, Bengaluru 2Assistant Professor Department of Veterinary Surgery, KVAFSU, Bengaluru 3Professor, Department of Veterinary Surgery, KVAFSU, Bengaluru *Corresponding author. E-mail: patilas@uasd.in
Online published on 18 April, 2018. Abstract In four year long study, 211 bovines were presented with horn affections of which 78 (36.97%), 56 (26.54%), 44 (20.85%), 25 (11.85%) and 8 (3.79%) had fractures, horn cancer, avulsion, septic horn and abnormal shaped horns respectively. Amongst the horn fractures (n=78), a total of 62 cattle were suffering from unilateral horn fractures. Unilateral horn fractures had highest incidence in Khillar breed (n=33, 53.22%), in males (n=49, 79.03%) and in four to eight years old (n=29, 46.77%). Most of the fractures were incomplete of which 21(33.87%) were simple fractures and 21 (33.87%) were compound fractures. The site of horn fracture was highest at the base of the horn (n=38, 61.29%) followed by lower 1/3rd (n=13, 20.97%) and middle 1/3rd (n=09, 14.52%). Standing position was satisfactory for stabilization of fractures as well as dehorning procedures. The metallic splint and circlage wiring provided good stability to fracture site, allowed complete union without any complications. Empyema and frontal sinusitis animals responded well for antibiotic therapy and also local irrigation with antiseptics. Modified flap method of dehorning was better as compared to open wound healing of stump because of shorter healing period. Top Keywords Cattle, dehorning, horn, metallic splint, unilateral fracture. Top |