CLIENT EDUCATION Ramon has fractured his left femur and his right tibia and fibula bones. The fractures were the type where there were complete breaks through the bone shafts and with some bone fragments. (We would also show the clients the radiographs at this time. We feel that the clients would get a better appreciation by actually seeing for themselves.) Ramon appears to have sustained no further damage than the fractures and associated damage to the surrounding muscle, which is normal with fractures of this type. We feel that the best way would be to fix the femur fracture by performing what we call an internal fixation. This would require us surgically opening RamonŐs leg, lining up the bone fragments, and stabilizing the largest bone fragment. Pins would then be placed to further stabilize and line up the fragments to promote correct healing. Wire will then be placed around the bone to prevent rotation of the fragments. We feel that the best way to fix the tibia and fibula would be to fix the fractures externally. We will accomplish this by first matching up the bone fragments and then place pins to stabilize the fragments. The pins will be placed through the skin and into the bone. This will help prevent bacterial infection because we are not opening the fracture site to contamination. The ends of the pins sticking out of RamonŐs leg will be covered up with soft plastic tubing that will be filled with acrylic. This will help to stabilize the pins and to prevent the pin ends from snagging on things. However, where the pins exit the skin needs to be rinsed and cleaned daily. We feel that RamonŐs overall prognosis is good. We feel that with the methods we have chosen to correct the fractures that proper healing of the fractures will occur. The critical thing will be to restrict RamonŐs movement to allow proper healing. Ramon will need to be restricted to cage rest for 3 days. Ramon can then be allowed to walk on a leash with care be taken that he is not allowed to run or frisk around. He should not be allowed to play with other animals also. Ramon will need to be on this restricted exercise plan until RamonŐs fractures have healed. We will determine when his fractures are healed with follow-up radiographs. We would like to do the first follow-up radiographs in 6 weeks. We will also keep in contact weekly to assess RamonŐs progress.