Bone Fractures in Dogs

Dogs' bones can break for many reasons. Bone fractures occur in different ways. Dog owners should know the differences between closed bone fractures, open bone fractures, and cracks for proper intervention. In this article, you can find answers to frequently asked questions about fractures in dogs.

Fracture Assessment in Dogs

Fractures are assessed in two different ways: open or closed. In open fractures, the broken bone protrudes through the skin tissue, and the bone tissue is visible from the outside. In closed fractures, there is no injury to the skin tissue, and the fracture remains internal.

There are cases where the fracture is incomplete. In such cases, the bone cracks instead of completely breaking. Bone cracks do not present with the symptoms seen in open or closed fractures. However, cracks are still quite painful and require treatment.

Fracture Symptoms in Dogs

The protrusion of the broken bone through the skin is a clear indication of a fracture. However, in internal fractures or dislocations (where the bone comes out), no symptoms may be seen. The most common symptom of a bone fracture is lameness and whining or whining sounds from the dog. Muscle, tendon, or ligament injuries also cause symptoms similar to fractures.

Bone fractures in dogs occur as a result of sudden trauma causing a very high amount of force to be applied to the body. Fractures can occur due to many different reasons, such as being struck by a hard object with great force or falling from a height. Fractures often occur in dogs with excitable or curious personalities. Older dogs also have a much higher risk of fractures.

The first thing to do in case of a bone fracture is to alleviate the dog's pain and prevent further accidents. It is also necessary to clean any open wounds to prevent infection. There are three golden rules to follow in case of a fracture.

• Broken bones should not be joined together
• Antiseptic or ointment should not be applied to open wounds
• The dog should be taken to the veterinarian immediately

Fractures According to Where They Occur in the Body

Although bone fractures in dogs are most often associated with their legs, every bone in the body is actually at risk of fracture. From a first aid perspective, it is possible to know which bone is broken. This allows for faster intervention for the dog.

Fractures Occurring in the Back

Dogs with back fractures may be more frightened and aggressive due to the pain they are experiencing. Therefore, a muzzle should be applied first. Afterwards, the dog should be placed on a flat surface without bending its back. In cases of back fractures, the dog's movement should be restricted. Also, pressure should not be applied to the neck or back area. In cases of back fractures, the dog should be taken to the veterinarian immediately.

Limb Fractures

In cases of limb fractures, it is necessary to keep the fractured limb immobile. In the case of an open fracture, the fracture site and open wound should be bandaged with gauze. Antiseptic or ointment should not be applied to the open wound area.

In closed fractures, gauze bandaging is not necessary. The limb should be supported with a small piece of wood or a rolled-up newspaper. However, this is not necessary if it is painful for the dog.

In both types of fractures, it is important to support the fracture site with a clean towel. Do not attempt to reconnect the bone at the fracture site. Supporting the limb prevents further injury to nerve endings, blood vessels, or surrounding tissues. After the fractured limb is immobilized, the dog should be taken to the veterinarian immediately. Keeping the dog warm is important to prevent shock during this time.

Rib Fractures

Dogs with rib fractures may experience difficulty breathing. In such cases, a muzzle should not be used. Check the dog's chest area to see if there is an open wound. If there is an open wound, it should be covered with gauze. However, avoid bandaging too tightly in a way that will make breathing difficult.

If you see a mass in the chest area, you need to bandage it enough to cover it. The end of the broken bone appears as a hard mass under the skin. If the mass is soft, the cause is probably damaged lung tissue. If you hear a sound like air is being sucked out of the dog, it means the chest cavity has been opened. In such a case, the dog needs immediate attention.

Tail Fractures

Tail fractures are very difficult to manage. In cases where the tail appears to be broken but there is no visible bleeding or bone, and the dog is not in pain, immediate intervention is not necessary. However, the dog should be taken to the veterinarian before any discoloration occurs in its tail.

Treatment Method

In dogs with fractures, painkillers are used to control the pain. General anesthesia may also be necessary to reconnect the bone. Dislocations are also usually corrected under anesthesia. Dog owners should absolutely not intervene in the situation and should ensure that the dog is taken to a veterinarian.

Rehabilitation of a fractured bone varies depending on the dog's age, size, weight, and other factors. The general treatment for bone fractures is to keep the bone immobilized until it heals and reconnects.

Small breed dogs require more care. Because the bones of these dogs can break much more easily. Even the smallest breeds can suffer fractures when they fall from their owners' laps.