Bone fractures in pets
If you suspect that your pet has a broken bone, please visit your nearest urgent or emergency care hospital as soon as possible.
Similar to us humans, our pets are susceptible to bone breaks. Pet bone fractures are typically caused by trauma inflicted by a vehicle or another animal, a large fall, or from an exercise-related injury. Our primary, specialty and acute care teams are ready to help you and your pet should they suffer from a bone fracture.
The most common bones broken in pets are their legs, feet, joints, and pelvis but in large trauma situations pets can also break their ribs, skull, or spine.
Symptoms of bone fractures in pets
Depending on the location and type of bone fracture, your pet may exhibit varying symptoms.
If your pet’s fracture is incomplete (only broken partway around/though the bone) their symptoms may be less noticeable and become progressively worse over time. They may limp, hold up the affected limb, or move in an abnormal way. You may notice swelling around the area and your pet may whine or flinch when the affected area is touched or manipulated.
Pets with complete fractures (the bone is broken completely with two or more fragments created) will show more obvious signs of pain and you may even see the bone penetrating the skin (referred to as an open fracture). If major or multiple bones are broken, your pet may be unwilling or unable to move and even suffer from incontinence due to the level of pain they are experiencing.
If your pet is exhibiting these symptoms, please take them to your nearest urgent care or emergency hospital as soon as possible.
Diagnostics of bone fractures in pets
With trauma-related fractures, pets will typically be first seen by an urgent or emergency care veterinarian. Pets with stress or exercise-related fractures may be assessed at their primary care clinic after they begin limping or moving abnormally.
No matter where you take your pet to be evaluated, the steps to diagnosis of a bone fracture are usually very similar. X-rays of the affected area are typically recommended. Sedation may be necessary to ensure your pet remains still enough to obtain clear images.
If the fracture is near the chest or abdomen, radiographs or ultrasounds of these areas may also be recommended to ensure no internal organs have been damaged.
At Thrive Pet Healthcare, our hospitals are equipped with state-of-the-art radiological technology that provide quick and accurate diagnoses when your pet needs it most. Additionally, our partnership with TotalRads provides all our clinics with on-demand access to world-class board-certified radiologists who are there to help your veterinary team in cases that are more obscure and difficult to diagnose.
Treatment of bone fractures in pets
Your pet’s treatment options will depend on the severity of the break, it’s position on the body, the age of your pet, and other health-related factors. The
American College of Veterinary Surgeons outlines the factors that go into deciding the level of treatment a pet needs to repair their fracture most effectively.
At Thrive Pet Healthcare, our integrated network allows for your family veterinarian to work closely with our emergency/urgent care teams, orthopedic surgeons, and rehabilitation therapists to form a treatment plan that fits both you and your pet’s unique needs.
Treatment for bone fractures in pets may contain some or all of the following:
Orthopedic surgery, including surgically applied devices (pins, nails, screws, wires, and plates)
Splint, cast, bandages, or sling to temporarily immobilize bone
Confining overall movement
Pain management
Rehabilitation therapy
Each stage of your pet’s treatment and recovery will be closely managed through the open communication between our primary, specialty, and acute care teams, all working together to get your fur-child thriving again.
At-home aftercare recommendations
Recovery from illness or injury is always a team effort between both the professional veterinary team and a pet’s human family. Your pet’s care team will provide detailed instructions on steps you need to take at home to ensure your pet’s recovery remains consistent. Please follow these instructions as closely as possible and always ask your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns.
Some of the instructions you receive may include:
Prevent pet from chewing by using an E-collar (or similar)
Ensure bandages are kept dry and clean - have them changed by your vet within a few hours if damp or soiled
Have wound evaluated as soon as possible if any foul odor is smelt around the bandage
Ensure you are staying on schedule with delivering your pet's pain medications. Follow all instructions regarding dosage, frequency, and feeding
Follow all instructions for activity restriction provided by your veterinary care team. Your pet will likely want to move around before their bone is fully healed, especially if they have an active personality. Only lift restriction when sufficient healing has been confirmed by a professional.
Depending on the location of your pet’s fracture, they may need help to perform basic activities like standing up, using the bathroom, or walking to their food bowl. Ask your veterinarian or rehabilitation therapist for tips on how to best support your pet. Slings, non-slip slippers, and assistive devises are some options available.
Physical therapy is essential during bone fracture repair to ensure your pet’s muscles and joints do not waste due to inactivity. Your veterinary rehabilitation therapist will provide at-home activities for you to perform with your pet between sessions to help ensure their joints and muscles are being tended to in.
