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Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2003; 16(03): 196-199
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1632778
Case Report
Schattauer GmbH

Treatment of radius, ulna and humerus fractures with the aid of a bone morphogenetic protein in a giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla)

C. R. A. Ferrigno
1   Department of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine of University of Sao Paulo, Brazil
,
F. Futema
2   Faculty of Veterinary, University Paulista, Sao Paulo, Brazil
,
D. L. Fedullo
3   Zoo of Sao Paulo, Brazil
,
V. Kyan
4   Private Practice, Sao Paulo, Brazil
,
D. Tabacchi Fantoni
1   Department of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine of University of Sao Paulo, Brazil
,
D. C. B. Baccarin
5   DVM Koala Animal Hospital, Sao Paulo, Brazil
,
M. A. Romano
6   Faculty of Veterinary, University Paulista, Sao Paulo, Brazil
› Author AffiliationsThis study was funded in part by the Baumer S.A., who were responsible for providing the BMP and the metal implants.
Further Information

Publication History

Received 01 October 2002

Accepted 17 January 2003

Publication Date:
22 February 2018 (online)

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Summary

A giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) was found with closed comminuted fractures on the right radius and ulna and left humerus the duration of which was unknown. The animal was unable to use either of the thoracic limbs. The fractures were stabilized with 3.5-mm titanium plates and a commercially available mixture of micro lyophilized bovine cortical osseous and bovine BMP (Gen-tech®, Baumer, Brazil) was implanted into the fractures sites. Postoperative radiographic evaluations were performed every 30 days and after four months. Bone healing was observed in all of the fractures. The animal was able to be reintroduced into its natural habitat. From this case we conclude that despite the low metabolic rate of the giant anteater, which is an inherent characteristic of this species, the treatment of radius, ulna and humerus fractures by means of plates and screws, associated with BMP on the Myrmecophaga tridactyla, was a success.

Keywords

Anteater - BMP - fracture
 

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