Case Overview
Betti, a 3 kg Italian Greyhound, was presented on February 26, 2025, following acute trauma. Clinical examination and radiographic evaluation revealed bilateral distal antebrachial fractures involving the radius and ulna. Given the breed predisposition, low body weight, and the instability of the fractures, immediate surgical stabilization was recommended.
The Injury
Preoperative radiographs demonstrated complete fractures of the distal radius in both forelimbs, with concurrent involvement of the ulna. The fractures were unstable and required precise anatomical reduction to restore normal limb alignment and function. Italian Greyhounds are predisposed to distal antebrachial fractures due to their fine cortical bone structure and limited soft tissue coverage. Conservative management in this region is associated with a high risk of delayed union, non-union, or malalignment. For this reason, rigid internal fixation was considered the most appropriate treatment option.
The Surgical Approach
Open reduction and internal fixation were performed on the day of presentation.
Both radii were stabilized using a 1.5 mm plate-and-screw construct (locking plate system according to the surgical record). Accurate reduction and careful implant positioning were achieved in both limbs.
The ulnae were not separately stabilized; adequate rigidity was obtained through fixation of the radius in each limb.
Immediate postoperative radiographs confirmed appropriate implant placement, satisfactory fracture reduction, and restoration of antebrachial alignment bilaterally.
Oucome and Clinical Takeaways
Postoperative recovery was uncomplicated. Controlled activity and close monitoring were maintained throughout the healing period, and clinical follow-up documented a progressive return to full weight-bearing function without complications.
This case highlights that bilateral distal antebrachial fractures in toy breeds demand precise reduction and stable fixation to reduce the risk of malalignment and healing problems. Here, bilateral plate fixation of the radii provided sufficient rigidity for predictable healing and functional restoration in a very small patient, demonstrating that early surgical intervention with rigid internal fixation can deliver an excellent clinical outcome.
Back to being her active, happy self
Betti after 1 Year
Ivan Stoykov
"Thank you, Rita Leibinger Medical, for the opportunity to work with the highest quality implants."
Ivan Stoykov (DVM)
Animal Health (Veterinary Clinic), Glevakha, Ukraine
SPECIAL THANKS to Dr. Ivan Stoykov for sharing this Case with us.
Implant System used: LeiLOX 1.5 mm Micro Titanium Fracture Locking System
Manufacturer: Rita Leibinger Medical
Surgery by: Ivan Stoykov (DVM), Animal Health (Veterinary Clinic), Glevakha, Ukraine
About Animal Health Hlevakha
About Przychodnia Weterynaryjna Jaroslaw Garbowski
About Przychodnia Weterynaryjna Jaroslaw Garbowski
About Przychodnia Weterynaryjna Jaroslaw Garbowski
About Przychodnia Weterynaryjna Jaroslaw Garbowski
About Przychodnia Weterynaryjna Jaroslaw Garbowski
About Przychodnia Weterynaryjna Jaroslaw Garbowski
About Przychodnia Weterynaryjna Jaroslaw Garbowski
Animal Health Hlevakha is a companion-animal veterinary clinic near Kyiv, focused on modern diagnostics, surgical care, and patient-centered treatment. The practice provides routine and emergency services, including imaging and in-clinic diagnostics, with a strong emphasis on clear communication and low-stress handling for pets and their owners. Led by Dr. Ivan Stoykov, the team delivers evidence-based care tailored to each case.
About the
LeiLOX 1.5/2.0 Micro System
Featuring over 62 different plates, the LeiLOX 1.5 / 2.0 Locking Plate System offers unparalleled flexibility to address a wide spectrum of fracture cases. From Y-Plates to L-Plates, Bridge Plates, Standard Plates, Cuttable 20-hole Plates, and a myriad of Challenger Plates, the LeiLOX system provides a diverse range of options to suit every surgical need - from maxillofacial and pelvic fractures, to the fixation of long tubular bones.
Made of medical grade Titanium, the LeiLOX Micro implants are very durable but lightweight, highly biocompatible, and low in temperature sensitiveness. All these collectively contribute to long-term surgical success.
The LeiLOX 1.5/2.0 Micro System is the “swiss army knife” for micro fractures: it contains not only (cuttable) standard plates, but also unique shapes for complex anatomy. Available in four different compact sets: LeiLOX 1.5/2.0 Osteosynthesis Locking Set ,and 1.5/2.0 Challenger Set, 1.5 Osteosynthesis Locking Set, and the 2.0 Osteosynthesis Locking Set.
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Fracture Management
in one of our Workshops
2026
Sicher in die Frakturbehandlung: Grundlagen, Haptik und Planung für Einsteiger - 12. June 2026 - 13. June 2026 in GermanyBehandlung von Kreuzbandrissen: Extrakapsuläre Verfahren und Osteotomien für Einsteiger - 3. July 2026 - 4. July 2026 in Germany
Frakturbehandlung bei Hunden, Katzen & Exoten – Fokus Kleinstpatienten - 29. August 2026 in Austria
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