A 5-year-old male castrated Golden Retriever was presented to the Cornell University Hospital for Animals Emergency Service after being hit by a lawnmower earlier in the afternoon.

On initial examination, there was an open transverse fracture of the mid-diaphysis of the right tibia and fibula and associated significant soft tissue damage. The left forelimb was traumatically amputated at the level of the metacarpals. The distal third of the tail was fractured with an open wound. The following morning, radiographs indicated that the patient had not sustained any significant internal trauma. He was taken to surgery where his left forelimb was debrided and amputated at the radiocarpal joint and a tissue flap was created to close over the remaining portion of the limb. A type 1B external fixator with 8 pins and 3 connecting bars was then used to stabilize the tibial facture. The wound was debrided and the muscle layer was closed over the bone with several interrupted sutures. The skin and subcutaneous tissues were left open to heal by second intention due to the large skin defect present and high tension. A disarticulation was also performed on the distal third of the tail. The patient spent several weeks in the hospital and was then seen frequently by his referring vet for bandage changes and wound management.

Due to development of pin tract infections, osteomyelitis, and non-union of the tibial fracture, the external fixator was removed about 10 weeks later. The bone was debrided and a bone plate was placed on the medial aspect of the tibia. At that time, an autogenous bone graft and antibiotic impregnated beads were also packed around the fracture site to promote healing and prevent further infection. The patient ultimately was fitted with a prosthetic for his forelimb. At 6 week recheck for his second surgery, there was radiographic evidence of healing and resolution of osteomyelitis of the tibia.