Several treatment options for Levi were discussed and use of a bone plate was strongly recommended in order to obtain rigid fixation of the fracture. This decision was based on Levi's intended use as a lure coursing dog. The bone plate allows early use of the leg and does not require prolonged casting or splinting. Bone plates are made of surgical grade stainless steel and they can be contoured to fit on the surface of the bone. Specially designed bone screws hold the plate in place during fracture healing. Follow up x-rays of Levi's right front leg were obtained 6 weeks after surgery and the fracture had healed completely. He was allowed to gradually return to full activity and is now back to lure coursing. The metallic implants have not been removed and they will remain in place unless they cause a problem.

Our second example of a coursing injury occured in a 9 year-old female Greyhound named Mickey. She was running in a field as part of her training when she cried out and stopped moving. A significant right hind leg lameness was present and Mickey was taken to a veterinary hospital for further evaluation. Examination of the right hind leg revealed swelling in the region of the tarsus. Palpation of the ankle joint revealed discomfort and a popping sensation. X-rays of the affected joint revealed a fracture of a bony prominence on the inside of the tarsus, referred to as the medial malleolus. Although the fracture was complete, there was minimal displacement of the bone fragments. Although surgcial stabilization with a bone screw was discussed, Mickey's owners chose a conservative treatment plan consisting of strict rest and application of a splint to the right hind leg. The splint was changed several times over the next seven weeks before follow up x-rays were performed to confirm that the fractured medial malleolus had healed. Mickey has retained full function of the leg, but her owners have decided to retire her from lure coursing.