Research Article | Veterinary Surgery and Radiology

Cost of Treatment for the Management of Metacarpal and Metatarsal Fractures in Bovines using External Coaptation

Department of Veterinary Surgery and Radiology, College of Veterinary Science, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana – 141004, Punjab, India

Abstract

The study was aimed to calculate the average cost involved in the treatment of metacarpal and metatarsal fractures using external coaptationin 92 bovines (37 buffaloes, 55 cattle). Estimation of cost was done on the basis of indirect losses;pre and post treatment cost in field, cost of treatment at the University Hospital and animal transportation cost. The bovines were divided into 16 groups based on the species (cattle or buffalo), type of fracture (open or closed), type of bone (metacarpal or metatarsal) and the weight of the bovine (upto or more than 100kgs). The average cost of treatment foropenfractures of metacarpal and metatarsal was significantly more in buffaloes compared to that in cattle.The cost significantly increased in adult bovine with open fractures compared to young bovinewith closed fractures. The average cost of treatment was INR 4911/- per cattle and 5829/- per buffalo, with minimum for the repair of closed metacarpal fractures in buffalo calves (upto 100kgs) and maximum for the open metacarpal fractures in adult buffaloes. A large portion (17-43%) of cost included the transportation cost of the bovine to the hospital. In conclusion, the cost of treatment of metacarpal and metatarsal fractures in bovines repaired using external coaptation depends on the species (cattle or buffalo), the type of bone involved (metacarpal or metatarsal), type of fracture (open or closed) and the body weight of the bovine.

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