Dog Fracture Treatment: A Comprehensive Guide to Pet Owners
It is difficult to see your dog limp and whine when the reason is more than a sprain, but a fracture. If your dog fractures a bone, it should be diagnosed and treated by a professional as soon as possible. As their parent, you must remain calm and take the necessary precautions to prevent any serious complications. This article will help pet owners get an overview of the dog fracture treatment and what they can expect from a trusted vet clinic.
What is a Dog Fracture?
A dog fracture is a condition where a crack appears in one of the bones. Dogs are also likely to have fractures caused by a crash, fall, or extreme play. This kind of injury may become painful and severe. Dog fractures vary in type, and each type of fracture requires a certain approach to treatment:
- Closed fracture: In this condition, the bone break doesn’t penetrate through the skin. It is an internal fracture and requires immediate veterinary care.
- Open (compound) fracture: This fracture is a serious injury with an open wound. It also increases the risk of infection.
- Greenstick fracture: This fracture is common in young puppies. It consists of an incomplete break in a bone.
- Comminuted fracture: In this fracture, the bone is crushed into multiple fragments, and they are more challenging to treat than simple fracture wounds.
- Displaced fracture: This fracture can result in pain and swelling. It consists of a broken bone that is displaced from normal alignment.
How to Tell if Your Dog Has a Fracture
Dogs can’t express when they’re in pain, but their behavior often says it all, especially when they’ve suffered a fracture. Limping or reluctance to place weight on a leg is one of the most obvious ones. If your dog has started to prefer one side, constantly keeps one of its limbs off the ground, or appears to be unwilling to walk, it may be a clear sign of a broken bone.
Diagnosis: How Vets Confirm a Fracture
In case your dog displays signs of being affected by a fracture, the first thing to do is to visit your vet. They will evaluate the condition of your dog as well as the level of damage to the bone. In most cases, the vet offers two alternatives: surgery or non-surgical solutions. The level of bone damage determines the course of treatment. In extreme cases, the veterinarian conducts a thorough physical examination.
Digital X-rays help to confirm a fracture. The clear images enable the vet to know the exact position and the extent of the gap. Sometimes, in a complicated case, radical imaging such as a CT scan may be required —particularly in situations where bones involved in the fracture are joints or more than two or three.
What to Expect During Recovery From Dog Fracture Treatment
Recovery after a fracture takes time and patience. The healing process begins as soon as your dog receives proper treatment, which may include a cast, a splint, or even surgery. Most dogs would need several weeks of rest with minimal movement so that the injured bone does not become pressurized. You may confine your dog to a small area or even put it in a crate to calm it down and prevent further damage. A comprehensive recovery process often includes pain management. Your vet will administer pain medication and anti-inflammatory medications. When giving any type of meds to your dog, give it according to the prescription and report any side effects that seem unusual to your veterinarian.
Conclusion
Dogs often have complex fractures, which require a precise diagnosis and specific treatment solutions. If you are googling for a vet hospital near me, British Veterinary Centre is available for emergencies and gives customized attention to every condition. We have a specialized team of doctors and advanced surgery facilities to ensure your pet is in capable and safe hands.
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