Conservative Management of a Salter-Harris Type III Fracture of the Medial Femoral Epicondyle in a Skeletally Immature Cat: A Case Report

Objective: To describe the diagnosis, conservative management, and outcome of a minimally displaced Salter-Harris type III fracture of the medial femoral epicondyle in a cat. Case Summary: A ۵-month-old, ۲.۵ kg male domestic shorthair cat was presented with acute non-weight-bearing lameness of the right hind limb following a traumatic fall. Physical examination revealed pain, crepitus, and swelling of the stifle. Radiographs confirmed a Salter-Harris type III fracture of the medial femoral epicondyle with minimal displacement. Surgical intervention was declined by the owner. Conservative management consisted of strict cage rest, a spica splint for stifle immobilization, and analgesic therapy (meloxicam and buprenorphine). Results: Clinical improvement was evident within two weeks. Follow-up radiographs at four and eight weeks demonstrated early callus formation and stable fracture alignment. By the ۱۲-week re-examination, the cat exhibited full functional limb use with a barely perceptible gait deficit. Conclusion: This case suggests that conservative management can be a viable option for minimally displaced Salter-Harris type III femoral fractures in cats when surgery is not possible, provided there is strict immobilization and owner compliance. However, long-term monitoring for degenerative joint disease is essential.

کلیدواژه ها:

Feline ، Fracture ، Salter-Harris ، Conservative management ، Stifle ، Femur