Lameness 4 weeks after stabilization predicts long-term complications in small ruminants with long-bone fractures.

Lameness at 4 weeks post-stabilization predicts poor long-term fracture outcomes in small ruminants.

This retrospective observational study evaluated 58 small ruminants (sheep and goats) with 69 long-bone fractures treated at a veterinary teaching hospital from December 2014 to July 2025. Hind limb fractures predominated (65.5%), with metatarsus III/IV and tibia being most frequently affected. The majority of fractures were closed (81.2%) and complete (97.1%). Casting was the most common stabilization method (50% of stabilized animals), with 86.2% surviving to discharge. Among animals with follow-up data, short-term and long-term complication rates were 77.4% and 73.9%, respectively—notably higher than previously reported. The key finding was that lameness persisting at 4 weeks post-stabilization was strongly associated with long-term complications, suggesting this clinical sign serves as a valuable early prognostic indicator. Casting demonstrated favorable outcomes specifically for closed metatarsus III/IV fractures, providing evidence-based guidance for case selection and treatment planning in small ruminant orthopedic practice.

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