Combined surgery in a dog with heartworm infection and complex fractures

A 4-year-old, 6.1 kg intact female dachshund was referred to the Animal Medical Center with acute right hind limb lameness. Radiographs revealed fractures of iliac body and tibia in the right limb. In addition, the dog exhibited tricuspid valve regurgitation and moderate heartworm infection in the right ventricle and main pulmonary artery on echocardiogram. To obtain stable anesthetic conditions for operation, an adult heartworm removal procedure was previously followed by repair of the complex fractures. All surgical procedures were done without complication and with stable patient conditions. At a one month postoperative follow-up, the dog was doing well with normal ambulation and no tricuspid valve regurgitation as well.