<div>Background: Fracture repair is one of most common procedure carried out by veterinary clinicians. Fracture healing most of the time associated with delayed union, non-union and mal-uinon. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical, haemato-biochemical and radiological outcome in patients after implantation of &beta;-tricalcium phosphate as a bone graft substitute to promote the fracture healing. 
 
Methods: Eight clinical cases brought to the clinics with femur fracture were divided into two groups viz. A and B, with four animals in each group. Femur fractures were stabilized with intramedullary pinning and &beta;-TCP biomaterial and intramedullary pinning and &beta;-TCP plus autologous bone marrow aspirate (BMA) composite in group A and B respectively. The efficacy of fixation was studied on the basis of clinical evaluation, haemato-biochemical and radiographical parameters on day 0 and on 7th, 15th, 30th, 45th and 60th post-operative day.&nbsp; 
 
Result: Excellent weight bearing was noticed in group B. The overall functional outcome in group B was better in comparison to group A animals. Haematological parameters viz. haemoglobin, packed cell volume, total leukocyte count and differential leukocyte count did not differ significantly within and between the groups. The biochemical parameters viz. serum calcium increased significantly (P&lt;0.05) on 7th and 15th post-operative day. A significant reduction in serum alkaline phosphatase level observed on successive post-operative days in both groups. Radiographs of fractures treated in both the groups showed good reduction and fracture fixation, early signs of fracture healing in group B than group A animals. The size of callus formation was more in group A than group B. No any graft related complications observed during the study period. The &beta;-tricalcium phosphate facilitated fracture healing and early ambulation of affected limb.</div>

<div>Evaluation of &beta;-Tricalcium Phosphate Biomaterial in Femur Fracture Repair in Dogs</div>

Background: Osteology is the study of the structure and function of bones, aimed at understanding how an individual&rsquo;s activity influences their size. While this branch of anatomy has been extensively explored in domestic animals, there have been limited investigations into Neotropical primates. This lack of research has resulted in a shortage of essential information for veterinarians and professionals working with wild populations, hindering efforts to ensure the health and protection of these species. 
 
Methods: A study was conducted on the large structures of the left and right hind limbs of the Colombian Amazonian primate Plecturocebus caquetensis. This study obtained morphometric data, validated in previous investigations, based on ten variables of the proximal region, eleven of the distal region five general variables of the femur, five of the tibia and four of the fibula. The investigation used structures from legal biological collections in Colombia to avoid unnecessary and unethical captures, as the species is critically endangered.&nbsp; 
 
Result: Significant differences were found between the right and left sides of the femur, tibia and fibula. Variables such as diaphysis length, axis, morphological lengthand biomechanical length of the tibia, maximum tibia and maximum fibula, present higher standard deviation values. These differences are due to the traction generated by the muscles inserted in these areas, which is influenced by external stimuli from the environment or physical surroundings.

Morphometry of the Femur, Tibia and Fibula of Plecturocebus caquetensis

<div>Background: Fracture is one of the common problems encountered in dogs. Fracture healing most of the times results into complications like delayed union, mal-union and non-union. To deal with these complications bone grafting is an important technique lying with clinicians. 
 
Methods: The present study was conducted on 14 clinical cases of dogs with femur fracture. After preliminary examination the dogs were randomly divided into two groups. In group A (n=8) fractures were managed by intramedullary pinning and in group B (n=6), fractures were managed by IM pinning and demineralised bone matrix (DBM) xenograft implantation at the fracture site. The efficacy of the treatment was assessed on the basis of clinical, hemato-biochemical and radiographic observation on day 0 and on 7th, 15th, 30th, 45th and 60th post-operative days.&nbsp; 
 
Result: The pain, lameness and weight bearing scores on the affected limb showed non-significant (P&gt;0.05) variations between the two groups on different post-operative intervals. The hematological parameters also varied non-significantly (P&gt;0.05) between the two groups. A significant (P&lt;0.05) increase in the serum alkaline phosphatase values was observed upto 30th post-operative day in group B animals as compared to group A animals and thereafter it gradually decreases and return to normal level on 60th post-operative day in both the groups. Radiographic scores were better in group B dogs. Early radiographic signs of fracture healing were observed in group B dogs than group A dogs. No any graft related complications were observed during the study.</div>

<div>&nbsp;</div>

Clinical Evaluation Osteogenic Properties of Demineralised Bone Matrix (DBM) Xenograft in Femur Fracture in Dogs

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary vitamin and mineral deficiency and darkness on growth performance, femur size, mineralization and bone microstructure in broiler chickens.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: 120 male Cobb 500 chicks were randomly assigned to three groups, including a control group and two experimental groups (1st group on a vitamins and minerals deficient diet, 2nd group reared in total darkness), with 40 subjects per group from day 7. Daily calculations of average weight and weight gain were performed and morphological and histomorphometric measurements of the femur were performed on days 28, 35 and 42. 
 
Result: The results revealed that the experimental groups showed a significant decrease in growth performance, body weight and weight gain (P&lt;0.05) compared to the control group. In addition, a reduction in bone mineralization (weight and ash percentage) and altered bone microarchitecture were observed in the experimental groups. These results indicated that vitamin and mineral complex deficiencies in feed and darkness negatively affected growth performance and trophic and morpho-histological aspects of long bones in broilers. The results of this study may have significant implications for the poultry industry, as they highlights the need to consider factors such as nutrition and lighting conditions when rearing broiler chickens for optimal growth and health. In conclusion, the present study provides valuable insights into the effects of dietary deficiencies of the vitamin-mineral complex and darkness on broiler growth and bone development.&nbsp;

Effects of a Diet Low in Vitamin and Mineral Complex and Darkness on the Growth Performance, Mineralization and Femur Histological Structure of Broiler Chickens

<div>
<div>Background: The current study was undertaken to evaluate the clinical efficacy of supracondylar plate for repair of distal femoral fractures in dog. The distal extremity of femur is the greatest weight bearing area, supracondylar plate is an orthopaedic plate system that is pre-contoured to the complex shape of the lateral surface of the canine distal femur. 
&nbsp; 
Methods: The study was conducted on six dogs presented with femur fracture to the Department of Surgery and Radiology, CVSc., Hyderabad over a period of 6 months (2020-21). Diagnosis based on the clinical signs, orthopaedic examination and radiography. Three fractures in right hind limb and three in the left limb. In dogs weighing less than 10 kg (N=3) were stabilized using 2.7 mm&nbsp;supracondylar plate while in dogs weighing more than 10 kg (N=3), 3.5 mm supracondylar plates were used. Right supracondylar plates of 2.7 mm were used in one dog while left supracondylar plates of 2.7 mm were used in two dogs. Similarly, right supracondylar plates of 3.5 mm were used in two dogs and left supracondylar plate of 3.5 mm in one dog. All the three right were 8 H while two left were 8 H and one was 6 holed. All the dogs showed partial weight bearing from 1st post-operative day. Lameness grading on pre-operatively showed grade V. Post-operatively, five dogs progressed to grade I lameness on 60th post-operative day and one dog to grade III lameness by the end of 60th post-operative day and later progressed to grade I by 120th post-operative day. The mean lameness pre-operatively and on 1st day, 15th day, 30th day, 60th day post- operatively were found to be 5.00&plusmn;0.00, 4.00&plusmn;0.00, 2.00&plusmn;0.25, 1.66&plusmn;0.33, 1.3&plusmn;0.30 and 1.00&plusmn;0.00 respectively. Radiographs obtained on the 60th post-operative day revealed dense callus of reduced size; fracture line barely visible with corticomedullary remodelling. The radiographs obtained on the 90th post-operative day clearly shows complete formation of bone with distinct cortex and medulla. Primary bone healing with minimal callus formation was recorded in case 5. 
 
Result: The supracondylar plate was successfully used in the treatment of distal femur fractures in dogs. Its configuration permitted early return to function of dogs affected with distal femur fractures.</div>
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A Clinical Study on the Use of Supracondylar Plate in the Treatment of Distal Femoral Fractures in Dogs

<div>There is no previously reported information on the morphological characteristics of pelvic limb long bones (femur, tibiotarsus and tarsometatarsus) in crested serpent eagle and brown wood owl. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate morphological and biometrical characteristics of pelvic limb long bones in crested serpent eagle and brown wood owl. The femur consisted of a curved shaft and two extremities. The shaft was wider proximally and distally and presented medial, lateral, anterior and lateral surfaces. The anterior, medial and lateral surfaces were smooth and continuous in both the species. An intermuscular line called linea aspera was present on the anterior and posterior surfaces in both the species. The proximal and distal extremities of the femur were almost of equal size. The proximal extremity presented a distinct, hemispherical head which was located in the level of the trochanter major in both the species. The distal extremity furnished a trochlea anteriorly for patella and medial, lateral condyles posteriorly for tibiotarsus bone. The patella was small and triangular and consisted of two surfaces, two borders, a base and an apex in both the species. Tibiotarsus was the longest bone in both the species which was formed by the fusion of distal extremity of the tibia with the proximal row of the tarsal bones. The proximal and distal extremity of the tibiotarsus consisted of medial and lateral condyles. In both the species, the fibula was a rod-shaped bone and reached up to distal third of the lateral border of the tibiotarsus. The tarsometatarsus was a long bone but smaller than tibiotarsus in both the species. Various biometrical parameters of the pelvic limb long bones were more in the crested serpent eagle as compared to the brown wood owl due to species differences.&nbsp;</div>

<div>Comparative Gross Anatomical Studies on Pelvic Limb Long Bones of Crested Serpent Eagle (Spilornis cheela) and Brown Wood Owl (Strix leptogrammica)</div>

<div>Background: Femur fractures are common in immature dogs. As compared to stainless steel, titanium implants are lighter and allow controlled micro-motion at the site of fracture that stimulates early callus formation by limiting stress shielding. Cited literature reports successful clinical use of titanium elastic nails for the stabilization of long bone fractures in young human patients; however, there is paucity of information on this technique is dogs. This study was planned with an objective to compare titanium elastic nails (TENS) and single end-threaded pin for the management of femoral fractures in young dogs. 
 
Methods: The study included 20 clinical cases (10 male and 10 female) of dogs suffering from distal femoral fracture with a mean&plusmn;SD age of 5.70&plusmn;5.60 month, body weight 11.09&plusmn;4.48 kg since 3.05&plusmn;2.35 days. The cases were divided into 2 groups; using TENS (n=10; group 1) and stainless steel end-threaded intramedullary pin (n=10; group 2).&nbsp; 
 
Result: Group 1 dogs demonstrated better fracture reduction score, early and uniform callus and better implant stability as compared to group 2, radiographically. Early weight bearing and minimum postoperative complications with better functional outcome including joint mobility was reported in group 1. In conclusions, TENS is superior fracture fixation technique for the repair of supracondylar or distal third femur fractures in young dogs with better functional outcome, minimal stiffness of stifle joint and early weight bearing, in comparison to single end threaded intramedullary pin.</div>

Comparison of Titanium Elastic Nailing and End-threaded Intramedullary Pinning for Distal Femoral Fractures in Young Dogs

Background: Femur fractures from multifactorial etiologies are a common occurrence in young and growing dogs. Various methods of internal fixation are available to repair young femur fractures but titanium elastic nails (TENs) are superior in stabilizing such fractures. Micromotion at the fracture site by these nails limits stress shielding and stimulates for early callus formation. TENs nails have been used in children but fewer studies are conducted in immature dogs in the recent years. The objective of this study was the clinical evaluation of TENs technique in femur fracture fixation among young dogs. 
 
Methods: This study included 16 clinical cases of young (&lt;2 months) dogs (12 male and 4 female) with mean &plusmn; SD age of 5.19&plusmn;2.83 month, body weight 7.46&plusmn;5.07 Kg injured since 2.93&plusmn;2.14 days and associated with vehicular accident, fall from height, hit injury with stick and unknown injury with femur fractures. TENs technique was applied in all the classes and postoperative clinical evaluation was done. 
 
Result: All the cases resulted in satisfactory functional outcome based on radiographically visible early bridging callus&nbsp; with mean radiographic fracture healing score of 2.43&plusmn;0.18, better fracture union (bone union score: 1.37&plusmn;0.24 and bone formation score: 2.25&plusmn;0.19), early weight bearing (standing: 2.43&plusmn;0.28 days, walking: 4.93&plusmn;0.39 days, pain perception score (1.62&plusmn;0.12) and ambulation with weight bearing score: 2.5&plusmn;0.12 (standing) and 3.00&plusmn;0.22 (walking), respectively on 15th&nbsp;postoperative day, in affected dogs with no major complications. Therefore, TENs technique provides an adequate repair of diaphyseal and supracondylar femur fractures in young dogs with better postoperative outcome. 
&nbsp;

Evaluation of Titanium Elastic Nails for Femoral Fractures in Young Dogs: A Clinical Study

<div style="text-align: justify;">Morphological and morphometrical study of pelvic limb bones from adult birds viz., ostrich (n=4), emu (n=6), domestic fowl (n=8) and duck (n=8) were carried out. Pubic symphysis was a distinctive feature of os coxae in ostrich. Medial surface of ilium was united to lumbosacral mass in ostrich and emu, whereas, only medial border made fusion in domestic fowl and duck. Post acetabular ilium was an elongated triangle in ostrich and emu, whereas, quadrilateral plate in domestic fowl and duck. Iliac fossae for kidneys were lacking in ostrich and emu. Ischium was a long rod in ostrich and emu. Ilio-ischiatic notch was present in ostrich and emu, while, ilio-ischiatic foramen was found in domestic fowl and duck. Caudal extremity of pubis was free in all the species studied excluding ostrich. Ostrich and emu exhibited a distinct pneumatic foramen on femur which was lacking in domestic fowl and duck. Length ratio of femur to tibiotarsus was 1:1.75, 1:1.88, 1:1.38 and 1:1.69 in ostrich, emu, domestic fowl and duck correspondingly. Lateral cnemial crest was a large tuberosity in ostrich; whereas, in other species it was a thick curved spine. &nbsp;Hypotarsus was in the form of spine in ostrich and emu. Bony spur of tarsometatarsus observed in male domestic fowl was lacking in the other species. Distal extremity showed two trochleae in ostrich, whereas, three trochleae, in the other species. Ostrich is the only didactyl bird with two digits. Emu possessed three digits, while, domestic fowl and duck possessed four. Our present study revealed pneumatic femur, longer tibiotarsus and tarsometatarsus and less number of digits in ostrich and emu. &nbsp;Reduction in number of phalanges also led to reduce the number of muscles and tendons associated to digits. The above mentioned features may aid ostrich and emu for high-speed locomotion.</div>

<div style="text-align: justify;">Comparative morphological studies of the pelvic limb bones in ostrich (Struthio camelus), emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae), domestic fowl (Gallus gallus domesticus) and duck (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus)&nbsp;</div>

<div>Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the nutritional effects of supplementation with virgin coconut oil (VCO) in Wistar rats over a sub-chronic period (6 weeks). 
 
Methods: Twelve Wistar rats were used and randomly assigned to receive (n = 6): control - lab chow; coconut oil (CO) - lab chow with added virgin coconut oil (20%). Food and caloric intake, weight gain, food efficiency, body mass index, femur and tibia length, bone mineral composition and blood biochemistry were evaluated. 
 
Result: The CO group showed an energy intake closed to control group. Also, the supplementation with VCO generated a decrease in total blood cholesterol as compared to the control group. However, the CO group showed accumulation of fat mass, shorter femur length and anxiogenesis in relation to the control group. These results indicate few beneficial effects from the sub-chronic use of VCO and indicate that its consumption in large quantities for long periods should be questioned.</div>

<div>Coconut Oil Promotes Greater Satiety and Reduces Blood Cholesterol, But Induces Obesity, Anxiety and Impaired Bone Formation in Adult Wistar Rats</div>