It goes without saying that being a pet owner, you always think about the well-being and protection of your pets. But sometimes, sometimes something as awful as an accident happens, and pets, like everyone else, can sustain injuries, for example, fractures. Sometimes it will be an ingesting of something that the pet is not supposed to take, at other times it will be a playful act such as jumping off a balcony only to land wrong and fracture a bone. There is need to identify the early signs of a fracture so that they can be offered the right care before the situation becomes worse.
It will be valuable for the owners to understand how the fractures are identified in the pets and when is the best time that they need to seek the services of a veterinary orthopedic surgeon. So, in this guide, you will find common indications of fractures, various types of bone injuries, and what to do if you think your pet has a fracture. Don’t let your pet suffer; get help as soon as possible and let your furry friend be back to their cheerful self.
What is a Fracture?
A fracture is a break or a crack that is in a bone and this may for a minor one called a hairline fracture to the extensive one that is partly broken in more than one place and is exposed to the skin known as compound fracture. Fractures in pets can result from injuries including (but not limited to) being run over by a car, a fall from some height or even because of play fights. Some fractures are typical of certain breeds or species, but no pet is safe from fractures if the situation occurs.
How Do Fractures Occur in Pets?
The most common causes of fractures in pets include:
- Trauma: Being hit by a vehicle, falling, or any significant physical impact can cause fractures.
- Falls: Cats and small dogs are more likely to sustain fractures from high falls.
- Play: Overly energetic pets, especially young ones, can fracture bones while playing.
- Bone Disease: Pets with pre-existing conditions such as osteoporosis or cancer may have weakened bones that are more susceptible to fractures.
- Abuse: Unfortunately, animal abuse can result in fractures. If you suspect abuse, it’s crucial to report it and seek medical help for the animal immediately.
In any case, fractures require intervention and should be discussed with the help of a vet, specializing in orthopedic surgery. Occasionally, consult with a veterinary orthopedic surgeon may be mandatory advise and treat the injury if the fracture is severe.
Recognizing the Signs of a Fracture
Knowing how to spot a fracture in your pet is the first step in getting them the care they need. Pets, especially cats and dogs, are often good at hiding pain, so it’s essential to observe their behavior and physical appearance closely. Below are the key signs that could indicate a fracture.
- Limping or Inability to Walk
Pain and inability to bear weight on a limb, either by limping or avoiding to use the limb at all, is a major indication of possible fracture. When your pet is limping or appears to be feeling uncomfortable when using one paw, he or she may be suffering from a broken bone. In extreme conditions where the tissues have almost rotted, your pet may be unable to move around.
- Swelling
Other clinical signs which are significant of a fracture include redness and warmth in the area of the affected bone. It can arise from inflammation of tissues surrounding the broken bone or from internal bleeding occurring in the affected area.
- Visible Deformity
Sometimes, a fracture results in some observable shift in your pet’s leg, tail, or any other part of the body. It may look as if the limb is draped or positioned incorrectly; perhaps crooked. This is indicative of a severe or even a compound one that should be treated by a veterinary orthopedic surgeon at once.
- Unusual Vocalization
Animals suffering from pain are likely to make more noise than they usually do. If your dog or cat moves, cries, whines or growls when you try to touch certain part of your pet’s body, there are high risks that your pet is suffering from fracture.
- Bruising
Swelling may be present around the limb or joint as well as tenderness to touch and or pain particularly when an individual is attempting to move the affected part of the body. You need to look at areas on the skin that you can see the discoloration even though there might be fur that covers your pet.
- Behavioral Changes
Sudden behavioral changes, such as lethargy, withdrawal, or aggression, can also indicate a fracture. Your normally active pet may become quiet or isolated, or they may react aggressively if you try to handle them.
- Difficulty Breathing (For Rib Fractures)
If your pet has a rib fracture, you may notice shallow or labored breathing. This type of fracture can be particularly dangerous as it can impact lung function.
- Refusal to Eat or Drink
Pain and discomfort can cause pets to lose their appetite. If your pet refuses to eat or drink for an extended period, it’s a sign that something could be wrong.
Types of Fractures in Pets
Pets can experience different types of fractures, and knowing these can help you understand the severity of the injury.
- Simple Fracture
A simple fracture is one whereby the bone snaps but doesn’t break the skin. Such a fracture, although severely painful, is easier to handle since worse kinds pose a big deal in treatment.
- Compound Fracture
In a compound fracture, the bone breaks through the skin, which enhances its chance of infection. It will be an emergency situation and needs to be viewed by a veterinary orthopedic surgeon soon.
- Greenstick Fracture
This fracture is classified as a partial break since the bone cracks but does not break fully through. In this case, it occurs more frequently in the younger animals because their bones are still developing.
- Comminuted Fracture
The bone is further divided into fragments, and such a fracture is called comminuted. Avulsion fractures often result from severe trauma and usually need to be operatively treated.
- Avulsion Fracture
A bony avulsion fracture occurs when a small section of bone attached by a tendon or ligament breaks loose and is pulled away from the main part of the bone. Most commonly, these fractures occur where tendons and ligaments insert into bone, such as in the knee or elbow.
What to Do If You Suspect a Fracture
If you suspect that your pet has suffered a fracture, it’s important to act quickly and calmly. Follow these steps to ensure your pet gets the help they need:
- Keep Your Pet Calm and Restrict Movement
Fractures are very painful and movement is liable to make it worse. As far as feasible, limit your pet’s exercising by confining him in a small area or making use of a pet carrier. Handle the broken area as little as you can.
- Seek Immediate Veterinary Attention
Time is of the essence in the case of a fracture. Seek consultation from your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital immediately. In more extensive cases where several bones are fractured, your veterinarian may want to refer you to a veterinary orthopedic surgeon for additional treatment.
- Support the Injured Area (If Possible)
If possible, stabilize the injured area with a splint or towel. Do not do so if you are sure, you would cause more harm. If unsure, wait until medical help arrives.
- Transport Your Pet Carefully
Transport your pet to the vet as carefully as possible. Use a pet carrier or crate in order to restrain your pet as you transport them. If your pet has fractured his leg, for example, you may put them on level ground so that you do not weigh down the affected limb.
Treatment Options for Fractures
The treatment for your pet’s fracture will depend on the type and severity of the break. In most cases, your veterinarian will perform X-rays to assess the damage and determine the best course of action.
- Splints and Casts
In most simple fractures, the bone still remains aligned in a proper posture. Immobilization of the limb with splints or casts would be enough for the healing of the bone. Splints and casts help stabilize the fracture and permit the body to repair the bone in due course of time.
- Surgery
Severe fractures need surgical intervention. A veterinary orthopedic surgeon will examine the fracture and decide whether the above or others like that need to be done to place the bone back in order, insert pins or plates, or in some cases, remove damaged tissue. Most compound or comminuted fractures require surgery since these are notoriously difficult to fix.
- Pain Management
Irrespective of the treatment, managing pain for your pet will definitely be the most important. Your vet is likely to give your pet anti-inflammatory medication or opioids to keep the animal relaxed during healing.
- Rehabilitation
Follow-up treatments include the use of rehabilitation exercises and physical therapy to regain lost strength and mobility in your pet. The veterinarian should be paired with a veterinary orthopedic surgeon who specializes in rehabilitation so your pet can get the fastest recovery without any complications.
Conclusion
Knowing when your pet is likely suffering from fractures can be essential in giving them the attention they require. Vigilance and quick action can make all the difference in getting your pet back up and on their feet with as few complications as possible after a fracture. Any evidence that your pet may have fractured a bone should be directed to a professional in veterinary orthopedic surgery, who can give them the best care and treatment. Intervention can return your pet to being that playful, energetic creature you first fell in love with within one flash of an eye.
Pets’ orthopedic surgery can help resolve a wide range of musculoskeletal issues that our furry partners may be facing. At Canadian Veterinary Clinic in Abu Dhabi, we understand the significance of orthopedic surgical treatment to pets, since this will enable us to regain their mobility, make them feel free from pain, and consequently improve their quality of life. For anyone in search of a veterinary orthopedic surgeon in Abu Dhabi, we are here to assist. We can arrange the most perfect care suited specifically for your pet’s needs.
