Fracture Management and Repair

Understanding fractures in pets

A fracture is a break or crack in the bone. It happens when too much pressure is placed on the bone from a fall, accident or strong impact. When your pet breaks a bone it can cause pain, swelling and difficulty moving. Your vet will classify your pet’s fracture based on the complexity of the break, where it occurs on their body and whether it has broken through the skin.

Plenty of fractures heal quickly and require minimal treatment but equally others may need surgery and the insertion of metal plates, pins, wires or screws. It’s not always obvious or easy to tell how severe a bone break is which is why it’s important you see your vet so they can check your pet over and decide on the right course of treatment.

Our job is to help your pet get better as quickly as possible. We also want to make sure they’re not in pain and don’t suffer any lasting effects. Thanks to advances in technology veterinary care for fractures has never been better.

Causes and symptoms of fractures

Fractures in dogs and cats are usually caused by sudden trauma such as a car accident, falling from a great height, rough play, sudden twisting, being stepped on or high energy activities like running or jumping. Sometimes bones can become weak because of underlying health issues like bone cancer or osteoporosis which can make them more susceptible to breaks.

You’re more likely to see fractures in your pet’s legs but they can occur anywhere in their body, including in the spine, the small bones in the paw and the bones that make up the toes (phalanges). Open fractures, where the bone breaks the skin, can cause infection and delay healing.

Signs your dog or cat has broken a bone include:

• Limping or avoiding putting weight on the affected leg
• Swelling bruising or tenderness around the affected area
• Visible deformity
• A painful reaction when the area is touched
• Reluctance to move or changes in behaviour
• Yelping, whining or other signs of distress

Common fractures in pets

Fractured toe

Pets, especially cats and dogs, can easily fracture a toe due to their active lifestyles of running and jumping. Treatment often involves rest, immobilisation or bandaging to help the break to heal. If the fracture is more complex it may require splinting or surgery.

Fractured tail

Tail breaks can happen more easily than you think, especially with long, active tails. Although cats’ and dogs’ tails are flexible, they can be injured if they’re stepped on or shut in a door, for example. The bones in the tail are smaller and more delicate than other bones, making them more susceptible to breaks. For minor fractures, rest, pain relief and limited movement may be all that’s needed to let it heal naturally. If the break is severe or there’s nerve damage, partial amputation may be necessary.

Your pet’s tail is essential for balance, communication and expression so if you think they’ve hurt it, then it’s important your vet looks at the injury.

Fractured limbs

Breaks in the legs are serious incidents that require immediate treatment by a vet. Usually caused by trauma such as falling, being hit by a car or during high levels of activity, it’s important they’re looked at promptly to allow for proper healing.

Treatment usually involves the immobilisation of the limb while it heals. Depending on the severity and location of the fracture your vet may apply a splint or cast. In more complex cases your pet might need surgery to stabilise the bones with pins, plates or screws.

Recovery can take several weeks to months depending on the type of break and the age and health of your pet. Physiotherapy may also be recommended to help them rebuild their strength and mobility.

Diagnosing fractures in pets

You’ll probably notice something isn’t quite right with your pet – they may be behaving differently, showing signs they’re in pain or refuse to stand on, or use, the broken limb but it’s not always obvious. If you suspect they’ve hurt themselves, it’s important you see your vet quickly for a proper diagnosis.

Your vet will examine your pet, they may take x-rays or order a CT scan and then they’ll decide on the best way to fix it and draw up a treatment plan.

Treating fractures in pets

Many fractures in pets will need surgical intervention to make sure they heal properly and restore full mobility. The approach your vet takes will depend on the location and severity of the injury. Examples of techniques used to treat fractures are:

• Internal fixation – This involves stabilising the bone using plates, screws and rods inside the body
• External fixation – Your vet will use pins and frames that attach to outside the body to hold the bone in place while it heals
• Arthroplasty – If the fracture involves a joint which cannot be restored it may be necessary to graft bone to encourage new bone growth

Post-operative care

It’s important to deal with the initial trauma but getting the right post-operative care is just as crucial. If your pet has to remain immobile for an extended period of time or if the break is complex they may need physiotherapy or hydrotherapy to help them regain strength and movement.

Medivet offers a range of physical therapy services to support your pet’s recovery and nurse them back to full health. Speak to your local clinic to find out what’s available in your area.

Caring for your pet after surgery

Once the worst is over you can focus on supporting your pet’s recovery. As a responsible owner, there’s plenty you can do to nurse them back to full health:

• Follow your vet’s instructions – Stick to your vet’s guidelines on diet, activity restriction, exercise and medication. These are tailored to your pet’s specific needs and are vital for proper healing
• Monitor the incision site – Prevent your pet from biting or licking the incision site. Use a surgical collar or suit if necessary and check regularly for signs of redness or swelling which could indicate infection
• Provide pain relief – Administer pain relief as directed by your vet to keep your pet as comfortable as possible while they heal
• Provide nutritious food – Proper nutrition will support the healing process and aid recovery
• Create a calm environment – You’ll want to limit stress on your pet so minimise visitors and stimulating activities to keep your pet calm
• Vet follow-ups – Make sure you keep any follow up appointments so your vet can check on your pet’s progress