![]() ![]() ![]() is often the best option for open and comminuted fractures. Intramedullary fixation with pins, rods, wires, and/or nails is the most common option.Įxternal skeletal fixation requires a device attached externally (outside of) the bone via pins, wires, etc. This often means heavy sedation or anesthesia followed by one of these four options:Įxternal coaptation (casts and splints) may be an option in younger dogs, or dogs with stable fractures or for fractures that occur below the knee and elbow. The first step after stabilizing your dog is to immobilize the affected segments so it cannot move or cause further trauma to any surrounding structures. The injury-Type, severity, location, etc. The environment-Can the dog be confined and supervised? The patient-Young or old? Healthy or affected by multiple comorbidities? Treatment, unfortunately, is not as simple as the type is often determined by three factors: How Veterinarians Treat Broken Bones in Dogsĭiagnosis of a broken bone is most often straightforward and almost always involves a physical exam followed by radiographs. Take precautions like placing a muzzle on your dog prior to transporting to the vet, as a dog in pain may bite. Do not attempt to give any medications or clean the area unless directed to do so by your veterinarian. The first thing to do is to move your dog gently and safely out of harm’s way while doing your best not to manipulate the fracture. Attempting to reduce the fracture yourself is not recommended and can certainly make matters worse. The fracture needs to be supported properly and the dog confined. If you determine or suspect that your dog has a fracture, seek emergency veterinary medical care immediately. Swelling or bruising of the limb/body part Lameness, often seen with the affected limb held upĬrepitus (crunching within the joint) or increased looseness of the limbĪbnormal conformation (angularity or shortening) of the affected limb Signs most often associated with broken bones in dogs include: For instance, a dog that has been hit by a car may have a broken leg but also experience internal bleeding and have difficulty breathing. Not only will there be signs of a broken bone, as noted below, but there may be other injuries that can be attributed to the accident. Most broken bones occur after some sort of activity or accident. Salter-Harris-This kind of fracture goes through the growth plate of the bone.Īrticular-This is a fracture that involves the joint. Open-Often seen with other wounds, but one in which the bone is exposed to the outside environment.Ĭlosed-Often referred to as an internal fracture, this occurs when there is no exposure to the outside environment. Incomplete-Only one side of the bone is broken, or there is a partial break or bending of the bone.Ĭomplete-Both sides of the bone are broken.Ĭomminuted-The bone has broken into at least three fragments. There are many different types of breaks and fractures that can occur in any bone of the body, and any fracture can also be a combination of one or more of the types listed below: Pelvic fractures and fractures involving the mandible are also common, though less frequent. The femur is the bone most often fractured, followed by the tibia and fibula, then the radius, ulna, and humerus of the forelimb. When there is excessive force against a bone, exceeding its core strength, a break or fracture occurs. Broken bones in dogs are most often caused by falls, motor vehicle accidents, gunshot injuries, or cancer. Not only is breaking a bone a traumatic experience for your dog, the recuperation and stress involved make it one of the most challenging medical conditions. ![]()
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