EVALUATION OF THE REGENERATIVE POTENTIAL OF SODIUM AND CALCIUM SILICOPHOSPHATE IN DISTAL RADIUS FRACTURES OF RABBITS (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

• Grant number: 24/18281-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: July 01, 2025
• End date: April 30, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Veterinary Medicine - Animal Clinics and Surgery
• Principal Investigator: Bruno Watanabe Minto
• Grantee: Thaís Furtado de Almeida Santos
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias (FCAV). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Jaboticabal. Jaboticabal , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Fractures of the radius and ulna in miniature or "toy" dogs, especially in the distal region of the bones, are prone to complications due to low microvascular density and anatomical configuration, making these animals more vulnerable. Moreover, the mechanical and biological configuration of these patients' bones predisposes them to a higher risk of postoperative complications, angular deviations, delayed healing, refractures, and pseudoarthrosis. In this context, the study aims to evaluate the regenerative potential of sodium and calcium silicophosphate in distal fractures of the radius and ulna in rabbits, seeking to contribute to the improvement of veterinary surgical interventions. After standard anesthetic preparation, the animals will be divided into two groups of 16 New Zealand rabbits: Group I will undergo ostectomy of the left radius and subsequent reconstruction of the bone defect using a sodium and calcium silicophosphate graft combined with platelet-rich plasma to maximize osteogenic and angiogenic bioactivity, while Group II (control) will undergo ostectomy of the right radius without receiving a graft. Clinical evaluation will include observation of ambulation, inflammation, and pain. X-rays will be taken at different postoperative periods. In addition, bone mineral density will be assessed, and after euthanasia, the groups will be subdivided into four subgroups of 8 animals for histopathological analysis and microtomography to determine the efficacy of the biomaterial in bone regeneration. The results of this research are expected to offer a new perspective on the treatment of bone fractures, providing a viable alternative to traditional methods, reducing the rate of postoperative surgical complications in the distal radius and ulna of "toy" dogs, and contributing to advances in veterinary orthopedic treatment.