Gir cow recovers after complex limb surgery in Madurai

Time of India

8 hours ago

Madurai: A two-and-a-half-year-old Gir breed cow from Rajapalayam, which was undergoing rehabilitation after an intricate orthopaedic procedure performed by surgeons at the Madurai veterinary polyclinic recently, has made a complete recovery.
According to the veterinary doctors, the cow, owned by farmer S Ram, sustained a transverse fracture of the left forelimb metacarpal bone three months ago when it slipped and fell inside its cowshed. Local veterinarians initially applied a plaster-of-paris cast, but within three weeks, the cow began walking with the leg bent outward, signalling non-union and misalignment of the bone.
With the fracture showing excessive callus and poor healing, the case was referred to the polyclinic for expert intervention.
A radiographic assessment confirmed a mid-shaft transverse break with mal-union. "Because of the delay in presentation and the deformity that already set in, realigning the fragments was extremely challenging," said C Merilraj, who led the surgical team alongside Muthuraman.
The surgeons opted for a closing-wedge osteotomy to correct the axis of the limb. Under general anaesthesia, the fractured segments were realigned and stabilised using an eight-pin, multilane epoxy external skeletal fixator system incorporating 2–5 mm Steinmann pins.
"This frame allowed rigid support while permitting postoperative adjustments and easier wound management," Merilraj noted.
Post-operative care included daily dressing, controlled weight-bearing, and antibiotic coverage. Follow-up X-ray taken on Friday showed satisfactory callus formation and complete alignment. With healing confirmed, the external fixator was removed, and the cow has since resumed normal walking. Veterinarians said the case underscores the importance of timely referral and proper orthopaedic techniques in bigger animals like cows and buffaloes.
TNN