Broken Bones In Dogs

Dogs break bones just as people do. They may fall, be hit by a vehicle, or have the bone broken when a bigger dog attacks them. When a bone gets broken, especially if it is a large bone, you need to rush your dog to the veterinarian.

Type of fracture

Broken bones can be either “open” or “closed.” The open fracture occurs when the broken bone pierces the skin. Closed fractures occur when the bone brakes but does not pierce the skin. There are also what are called “hair line fractures.” This is an incomplete fracture where there is a partial break in the bone. They are typically very painful and should be treated as seriously as the complete fractures are taken.

Diagnosis.

How do you diagnose a fracture? Open fractures are obvious, but closed fractures may not be. If the dog cannot put weight on a leg, whines and cries after an injury or accident, and acts as though the area is painful, it is time for a trip to the veterinarian. The same applies if the dog is favoring a different region of his body, such as his ribs.

There are three rules with fractures that must be followed. You must not try to reset the bone, do not but ointment or antiseptics on an open fracture, and get the dog to a veterinarian immediately.

Different breaks require different treatment and show a difference in prognosis. Here are some frequently broken bones along with first aid treatment options. Notice that almost all of the directions include muzzling the dog as the first part of first aid. That is because dogs that are in a lot of pain may bite, even if they have never bitten before.

Broken back

Muzzle the dog first. Place a flat, wide board on the ground next to the dog. Slide the dog onto the board, being careful not to bend the dog’s back. Strap the dog to the board so he doesn’t move on it, and head for the veterinarian’s office immediately.

Broken limb

Muzzle the dog first. Then carefully slide a clean towel under the limb. If the break is open, wrap it in gauze or a clean towel to keep it from getting dirty or moving around. If the break is closed, you can make a splint by rolling up a magazine and using it to stabilize the leg. If the dog indicates that the act of applying the splint causes him severe pain, don’t do it. After first aid, pick the dog up, supporting the broken limb with the clean towel, and take him to your veterinarian to have surgery to fix the limb. Do not attempt to reset the bone. You could damage blood vessels, nerves, and other important things.

Broken ribs

Broken ribs are often caused by someone kicking a dog. However they occur, they are very dangerous because the broken rib can puncture the lungs. Here is a case where you do not muzzle the dog unless he is having no trouble breathing. Otherwise, don’t muzzle the dog. Tear clean sheets into pieces and wrap them firmly around the dogs ribs. The sheets should be tight, but not so tight the dog cannot breath. If the dog has an area of his chest where it is bulging, wrap that too.

Rehabilitation of the brake will depend on the dog’s size and where it was located. Your veterinarian will tell you what to do at home to encourage the break to heal.