Emergency Care for Dog Fractures: Quick Steps & Tips
Fractures are a type of traumatic injury where a bone in a particular area is partially or completely broken due to direct or indirect force. This condition can affect any part of the body, though it is most commonly found in the long bones of the limbs. Fractures often result from external mechanical forces, such as being struck by a stick, or from slipping and falling, which can lead to a break in the bone.
In dogs, a sudden limp, swelling, pain, and a loss of function in the affected limb, along with limb deformity, are common symptoms. In cases of complete fractures, the ends of the broken bone can be felt during a physical examination, and there may be a grinding or cracking sound. Open fractures, in addition to these symptoms, also have soft tissue injuries, and the broken ends may protrude through the skin, increasing the risk of infection. Xray imaging (both frontal and lateral views) can provide a clear understanding of the fracture's shape, displacement, and healing progress.
The key to treating a fracture is to realign the broken bone to its original position and securely stabilize it, along with the appropriate use of both internal and external medications, which can typically lead to successful treatment.
1. Reduction: If the fracture is in the limbs, an assistant can gently pull the fractured limb away from the body, stretching it to straighten out the displaced bone. This allows for the correct alignment of the two broken ends. It's important to check if the local anatomy has returned to normal, if the limb axis is correct, and if both limbs are of equal length. Other fractures should also be realigned as much as possible. After reduction, immediate stabilization is crucial.
2. Stabilization: The method of stabilization can vary depending on the situation, using splints, casts, or paraffin bandages. During stabilization, the affected area should be treated with general surgical care, and an external dressing should be applied, followed by cotton or cotton pads to wrap the area. The limb should then be bound with a bandage. Initially, movement should be minimized. After 2 to 3 weeks, gentle movement can be introduced, and typically, the bandage and splint can be removed after about 30 to 50 days, depending on the healing progress.
External applications can include fresh roots of chive or peach tree, mixed with a small amount of lees (or egg whites, or toad), mashed and applied as a poultice. Internal medications can include Yunnan Baiyao, with dosage adjusted according to the size of the dog, typically equivalent to an adult's dose.