Broken bones are all too common among dogs and you need to be prepared in order to handle the bad situation.
Most broken bones in dogs are the result of two things – automobile accidents and falls from high places. Great care should be taken to avoid these injuries. When the worst-case scenario does happen, it is important to recognize the symptoms of broken bones so that you can seek immediate aid for the dog.
Signs of a broken bone include severe pain, swelling or bruising, limping, the inability to put weight on a limb, paralysis, a shortening of the leg or feeling the bones grind when you move the dog’s joints or limbs. Dogs with broken bones can also go into shock, lose blood and suffer trauma to internal organs.
There are several kinds of bone fractures. The closed fracture does not have any bone exposed. In the case of an open fracture, you will see exposed bone. This can be dangerous because it is an invitation for bone infection due to dirt and bacteria that can enter the wound site. Compound fractures refer to more than one broken bone or to bones that have more than one break.
The most commonly fractured canine bones include the femur, pelvis, jaw, skull and spine.
Use caution if you suspect that Fido has one or more broken bones. Remember that a dog in severe pain and shock may unknowingly bite the hand that feeds him. The dog could very well require a muzzle while you diagnose the injuries. If you do not have a muzzle, you can use a strip of fabric.
If you suspect that your dog has a broken bone, call his or her veterinarian immediately.
If the dog is in shock, it is important that you concentrate on controlling the problem. The fracture can wait until the dog is stabilized.
It is important to keep the broken bone stabilized and immobile. A towel or blanket can be wrapped around the limb for support. You can also make a splint out of sticks or pieces of wood, cardboard, newspapers or a magazine. You will most likely have to tape the support to keep it in place.
In the case of compound fractures, follow the above instructions and cover the open wound area with a wet cloth.
If you suspect broken ribs or a broken pelvis or spine, it is important to keep the dog still. You can use a wooden board, a piece of strong cardboard or a blanket to move the dog in the safest manner possible.
Once you get the dog to the veterinarian, the doctor will check the dog’s vital signs for shock symptoms and take x-rays and do a physical examination of the site of the suspected broken bone.
Treatment will depend on the dog’s age and the severity of the bone break. Some bone breaks can be treated using a cast or splint. More severe bone injuries can require surgery to place pins in the bone to stabilize it during the healing process.
A cast may also be needed in conjunction with the surgical procedure. The recovery process will require follow up x-rays to insure that the break is healing properly.
Younger dogs will tend to heal faster, requiring less time in a cast.
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