The metacarpal bones are the bones on the forelimb of the dog that connect the "wrist" (the carpus) to the toes (the phalanges). There are five metacarpal bones on each limb, with the major weight bearing bones being the central metacarpal bones three and four.
Non-surgical treatment is often via splinting or cage rest alone with no dressing. With splinting/dressing the limb, complications are not uncommon and relate to soft tissue injury when the dressing slips. This can be severe if the blood supply is cut off to the foot. Dressings require diligent monitoring at home.
As these bones are small this to will only be an appropriate method of treatment if the metacarpal bones are of sufficient size to accept the implants.