Surgical salvage from comminuted metatarsal fracture using a weight-bearing pin-putty apparatus in a dog

Comminuted metatarsal fractures in a dog were treated using intramedullary pins externally connected and stabilized by epoxy resin putty and application of a fibreglass cast. Two weeks later the cast was removed. After further 2 weeks application of a Robert-Jones bandage the dog could stand and walk with the pin-putty apparatus in position. The pin-putty apparatus was removed 3 months postoperatively, and the dog resumed normal activity. This fixation method could be an easy, economical and effective alternative treatment for managing comminuted fractures of the metatarsal and possibly metacarpal bones in selected cases.