![]() Open fractures may result in infection and should be cleaned and treated within hours of occurring. Immobilizing fractures so the jagged, broken edges can no longer move makes the fracture less painful and minimizes further damage to surrounding tissues such as blood vessels, muscles, and nerves. Veterinarians thoroughly examine pets, check for injuries to bones and internal organs, and order X-rays of the affected limb(s) and chest, abdominal ultrasound, blood work, or even a CT scan to aid in making a diagnosis. When trauma is involved, besides broken bones, internal organs may be damaged by: Dogs in distress often lick or bite at the injured area, whimper, yelp, pant, or show signs of aggression such as biting or growling. Swelling or abnormal limb movement may be visible. Depending on the number of fractures, their location, and their severity, some pets will be able to put minimal weight on the limb, while others may refuse to walk. Pets with fractures in the front or hind legs will hold up the affected limb, not wanting to bear weight due to pain. Signs & Symptoms:īones have innervation, which is why fractures are painful. ![]() Open fractures may result in infection due to the bacteria entering the wound.Ĭlosed fractures remain beneath the level of the skin. Open fractures may also occur when objects forcibly enter the skin with sufficient force to damage bones. Fractures and whether the skin is punctured:īone breaks that puncture through the skin are called open fractures. Comminuted fractures can be associated with the most significant soft tissue swelling and instability. Oblique and/or spiral fractures occur at an angle along the length of the bone, creating two sharply pointed bone fragments.Ĭomminuted fractures can be the most severe because the bone fractures in three or more pieces with varying sizes and shapes of fragments. Transverse fractures are linear and break 90° perpendicular to the length of the bone. Incomplete “greenstick” fractures may occur in young animals and can appear like a bend in the bone with cracks extending partway through the bone's circumference.Ĭomplete fractures are breaks that go from one side of the bone to the other, creating two or more bone fragments.Ĭomplete fractures have subdivisions based on their morphology: Do not administer medication or attempt to perform treatment of any kind unless advised by a veterinarian. Call the primary vet or emergency clinic at once for guidance. Move them only to allow for urination or defecation or to maintain cleanliness. The doctor will check for internal injuries, which is crucial because some can be life-threatening.Ĭonfine pets with fractures by encouraging them to lie in a small but proportionally sized place such as a box for smaller cats and dogs or a crate or kennel for larger dogs. If your dog was involved in an accident and has a suspected fracture, take your pet to the primary care veterinarian's office or an emergency veterinary clinic right away. Veterinarians describe fractures by which bone was affected, the fracture location within the bone, the shape or configuration of the break, and whether a foreign object or the bone itself punctured your dog's skin.
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