Emergency Treatment for Dog Fractures: Quick Steps Guid

Causes: Fractures in dogs are often the result of various mechanical forces from external impacts, such as being struck by a stick or slipping and falling. Dogs suffering from bone softening or rickets are also more susceptible to fractures.

Primary Symptoms: Dogs may suddenly limp, with the affected area swelling and causing pain, leading to functional impairment and limb deformity. In cases of complete fractures, the broken ends can be felt during palpation, and there may be a sound or sensation of friction at the bone ends. Open fractures exhibit these symptoms along with soft tissue trauma, and the broken ends may sometimes protrude through the wound, increasing the risk of infection. Xray imaging can provide a clear understanding of the fracture's shape, displacement, and healing process.

Treatment:

1. Reduction: If the fracture is in the limbs, an assistant can gently pull the fractured limb towards the distal end to straighten the displaced fracture, allowing for accurate alignment of the two ends. It's crucial to check for any local anatomical deformities, ensure the limb axis is normal, and that both limbs are of equal length. Other fractures should also be复位 as close to their original position as possible, and immediate fixation should follow the reduction.

2. Fixation: The method of fixation can vary based on available resources, using splints, bark, plaster, or stone bandages. During fixation, general surgical treatment of the affected area should be performed, and external medication should be applied, followed by wrapping with cotton or cotton pads. The limb should then be bound with a bandage. Initially, limit movement to minimize stress, and after 23 weeks, you can gradually increase activity. During this period, combine internal and external medications, and typically, the bandage and splint can be removed after 3050 days.

In treating fractures, it's essential to adhere to the principle of combining movement and rest. For example, the method of using an internal soft and external hard splint bandage can be employed.

After fixation, it's important to correctly apply the principle of combining movement and rest based on the stage of fracture healing:

(1) The blood coagulation stage, within the first 12 weeks after the fracture, the injured limb may experience swelling and pain as the soft tissues begin to repair, making it prone to further displacement. It's crucial to maintain calmness and prevent disturbances. To promote blood circulation and reduce swelling, gentle massage can be applied under the bandage, or a small amount of Yunnan Baiyao liquid can be dripped from the top of the bandage to improve conditions.

(2) The primary callus stage, after 2 weeks of fracture fixation, local swelling and pain will gradually decrease, and soft tissue repair will take place. The fracture ends will have fibrous connections and begin to form a callus. During this stage, appropriate free movement is encouraged to improve circulation and reduce complications.

(3) The callus remodeling stage, once the dog starts to bear weight on the affected limb normally, gradually increase the time spent walking and running to strengthen the limb's active movement, promoting a quick return to normal joint function.