A dog leg fracture is a fairly common injury in dogs. It can be caused by many things, such as a car accident, being hit by a falling object, or getting into a fight with another dog. If your dog suffers from a dog leg fracture, getting him the treatment he needs is essential. This blog post will discuss the causes, treatment, and prevention of dog leg fractures.
- Broken bones in dogs
- Symptoms of Broken Leg in Dogs
- Types of Bone Fracture
- Causes of Bone Fractures in Dogs
- Diagnosis of Broken Leg in Dogs
- Treatment of Dog Leg Fracture
- Recovery of Broken Leg in Dogs
- Prevention of Dog Leg Fracture
Broken Bones in Dogs
Bone fractures can occur in either our dogs’ front or hind legs. The radius and ulna (the radius being the prominent weight-bearing bone) and the humerus make up the front leg portion (forms the elbow and shoulder).
The tibia and fibula (shin) are part of the rear leg, whereas the femur is part of the front leg (thigh). If your dog gets a broken limb due to an accident, a veterinarian will need to diagnose the degree and location of the break.
A fracture is another term for a fractured bone. Dogs, like people, can inadvertently fracture a leg bone when exercising or playing. Not all events lead to broken bones; legs can also be dislocated or have more minor fractures known as hairline fractures (small crack in the bone.)
Symptoms of Broken Leg in Dogs
In many circumstances, the pet owner will witness the event that leads to the fracture. However, our pets can sometimes suffer a fractured limb without realizing it. If your dog displays any of the symptoms listed below, please bring him to the clinic as soon as possible.
- A limb’s abnormal movement
- Keeping the affected limb raised
- Inflammation of a limb
- Pain
- Whining
- Inability or unwillingness to walk
- Severe lameness
- Bone grinding or popping noises
- Bruising
Other significant conditions, such as internal bleeding or organ injury, may not be evident in the case of significant trauma. Do not second-guess your choice to visit the veterinarian clinic.
Types of Bone Fracture
A fractured bone can be life-threatening depending on the kind and degree of the break. Complications might arise fast if the bone is affecting an organ or causing a section of the body to bleed. Broken bones can be categorized in a variety of ways.
- Incomplete or complete fracture.
This indicates that the fracture has occurred either partially around the circumference of the bone (incomplete) or entirely around the circle of the bone (complete) (complete).
- Transverse, oblique, or comminuted fracture
A fracture can be transverse (straight across the bone), oblique (diagonally across the bone), or comminuted complete fracture (the break is in three or more bone fragments)
- Open or closed fracture
It’s called open fractures if there’s a cut in the skin where the fracture is. A fracture with no open wound associated with the broken bone is called a closed one.
Causes of Bone Fractures in Dogs
When a dog’s leg breaks, it might happen when you least expect it. Your dog will be in discomfort and maybe scared and fearful. Maintain calm as you prepare for your journey to the clinic so you don’t agitate or excite your dog, which might exacerbate the condition.
- Vehicle-related injury
- Playing and working out
- Sports
- Underlying disease
- Diet plan (too much phosphorus or Vitamin A, not enough calcium)
- Bone cancer
- Inherited collagen deficiency that is (weakens bones)
- Falls
- Age is a factor (young bones are not fully formed; older dogs lose strength in their bones)
- Breeding (toy breeds have tiny bones, easier to break)
Diagnosis of Broken Leg in Dogs
Bring your dog to the clinic with as much care as possible. If your pet’s limb is broken due to a car accident, be aware that they may suffer internal damage. If another family member is available, have them accompany you so that there is a second person in the seat next to your dog to give comfort and prevent him from moving.
Depending on the type of break, you may want to make a splint to protect the crack from moving. Do not make any attempt to adjust the limb’s position. If your pet’s vital signs need to be stabilized, the veterinary team will focus on that first when you arrive at the clinic. For diagnosis, the actions and equipment listed below will be employed.
- If your dog requires it, intravenous fluids, pain medicine, or antibiotics will be administered.
- A urinary catheter can be implanted so that your dog doesn’t have to stand to urinate and doesn’t have to worry about not being able to pass urine.
- The veterinarian will examine the patient for any organ damage or other trauma symptoms.
- It is possible that blood tests will be performed.
- Your dog will almost certainly be anesthetized so that the veterinary staff may take body radiographs (leg views to check for the break, abdominal and chest views to verify that the heart and lungs are without complications)
- If more organ analysis is required, an abdomen ultrasound will be performed.
Treatment for Dog Leg Fracture
Oh, your dog has a broken bone? Don’t fret too much. The fracture will be treated when your beloved family member has been stabilized. It’s critical to immobilize the break to relieve pain and avoid additional injury to muscles, blood vessels, and nerves. It’s also crucial to keep the crack from getting any worse.
Non-surgical and surgical alternatives will be available. A splint or cast may be all that is necessary for the healing of a simple, closed fracture. When wearing a cast or splint, it’s critical to keep the damaged region and its covering clean and dry.
Other surgical fixation techniques (such as metal devices) could be a better option. The selection will be based on your dog’s age, your living setting (do you spend most of your time with your dog?), and your financial alternatives for treatment. Your veterinary surgeon will be able to provide you with the best advice on treatment options.
- Internal fixation: Surgically applied pins and plates implanted inside the bone or to the surface of the bone under the skin.
- External Fixation: Surgically applied pins that come out through the skin and attach to a rigid bar on either side of the fracture
It is interesting to note the following points about treatment options.
- A cast may appear to be the most cost-effective treatment option at first. On the other hand, a cast or splint necessitates several further appointments for assessments, adjustments, and possible repairs or replacements. With a cast or splint, the total recovery time may be prolonged.
- Pins will be inserted into the bone to splint it without penetrating the body with an external metal fixation device (except for the pins). Internal fixation devices, such as screws, pins, wires, or plates, will be put under the skin and in the bone.
- As a pet owner, you may be hesitant to contemplate the amputation of a limb, but this is sometimes the best option when it comes to a badly injured leg. Dogs adjust to their surroundings fast with only three legs.
Recovery from Broken Leg in Dogs
After your dog’s leg fracture repair, they will require a period of rest, healing, and rehabilitation. Depending on the severity of the break and the treatment chosen, this may involve a brief or lengthy hospital stay. It will be essential for you to follow the veterinarian’s instructions carefully during this time.
Fractures can take anywhere from 6 to 8 weeks of bone healing, and they can take even longer if problems emerge. Bandages and splints must be kept clean and dry at all times.
Serious difficulties can occur if they become wet, filthy, or slide. If you observe any of these symptoms, or if an odor develops, contact your veterinarian right once. Make careful you stick to the bandage or splint changing schedule.
As recommended, return for follow-up tests and radiographs (x-rays).
Your dog’s activity level should be restricted during the healing process. No playing, running, or jumping is allowed. Limiting your dog’s movement will help to ensure that the break heals correctly and does not become worse. When you take your pet outside, make sure they’re on a leash.
If you have a cast or splint on your dog’s fracture site, it is essential to keep the damaged region and its covering clean and dry. Failure to do so may result in an infection. You will also need to visit the veterinarian for regular check-ups so that they can ensure that the fracture is healing correctly.
Physical therapy may also be recommended. When a limb is immobilized after a fracture, muscle mass is lost very quickly, and joints tend to stiffen. Rehabilitation therapy can provide pain relief, prevent tough scar tissue from developing, maintain joint health, and improve return to function. Your vet can also recommend a home program to help regain lost muscle safely and effectively.
It is vital to give your dog plenty of encouragement and love during this time. With a bit of patience and TLC, your dog will be back to its old self in no time.
Prevention of Dog Leg Fracture
You can do several things to help prevent your dog from breaking its leg. One of the most important is to keep them on a leash when outside. This will help avoid running into the street and getting hit by a car.
Active and playful dogs should be monitored closely, especially when around stairs, toys, or other objects that could lead to a fall.
If your dog likes to jump up on people or furniture, you may want to start training them not to do this. Not only can it prevent broken legs, but it can also keep your dog safe from other injuries.
It is also essential to ensure that your dog’s living environment is safe and comfortable. Puppies and senior dogs are especially prone to breaking bones, so make sure that there are no sharp edges or objects in the vicinity that they could trip on or fall over.
By following these simple tips, you can help keep your dog safe from one of the most common types of dog injury.
References:
https://wagwalking.com/condition/broken-leg
https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/first-aid-for-limping-dogs
https://firstvet.com/us/articles/how-to-care-for-a-pet-with-a-broken-bone
https://www.acvs.org/small-animal/fractured-limbs
https://www.thesprucepets.com/dealing-with-a-dogs-broken-leg-5081743