Rib fracture in buffalo with ruminal cannula

ABSTRACT

Background: Buffalos are very rustic animals that are adapted to adverse conditions, but the lack of adequate managementcan increase the susceptibility of these animals to several diseases. Rib fracture in this species is usually related to mineraldeficiency and complications resulting from unappropriated management. Rib fractures in ruminants are rarely diagnosedand usually present conservative treatment; however, cases with presence of contaminated wounds require extra attention.The objective of this work was to report an atypical case of open fracture of the last rib in a buffalo with ruminal cannula,describing the case from diagnosis to surgical treatment.Case An adult female water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) that was well fed and receiving minerals, with implantation ofa ruminal cannula, presented a lesion around the ruminal cannula, with increasing volume, exudation, and myiasis. Thegeneral parameters and behavior of the animal were apparently normal. The animal presented normal appetite and respiration and good physical condition and nutritional state, with pain reaction to the touch in the region of the lesion andtheir adjacencies; it presented no claudication and reluctance to remain in left lateral decubitus, and no discomfort. Theclinical inspection of the cutaneous lesion showed an oblique-type fracture in the body of the last left rib, with exposedbone in the lumbar region and extremity exposed to the ruminal cannula, already presenting necrosis. The region wascleaned, removing larvae (myiasis) for better exposition of the fracture; in the following day...(AU)