Identifying Cat Fractures vs. Sprains: A Quick Guide

Causes of Fractures:

Fractures can be caused by a variety of factors, primarily due to accidents such as car collisions or crush injuries, blows, falls from a height, and gunshot wounds. Certain bone marrow diseases, like tumors and osteoporosis, also increase the risk of fractures. Repeated stress on the bones can trigger fractures, as seen in feline digital stress fractures.

Fractures are categorized based on whether they are open or closed, and by the location of the fracture, such as in the shaft, epiphysis, or joint. Dogs and cats commonly suffer fractures in their limbs, with the hind limbs being particularly prone.

Diagnosis:

1. Pain and tenderness. Dogs and cats may exhibit discomfort, pain, local sensitivity, and resistance during voluntary or forced movement;

2. Deformity and angular changes. The shape of the fractured limb may change or present at an abnormal angle;

3. Abnormal movement. In complete fractures, there may be abnormal movement in areas that should not be moving;

4. Local swelling. Swelling may occur within one to several hours after a fracture, typically subsiding within 710 days;

5. Dysfunction. Soft tissue injuries can lead to muscle loss of support, resulting in partial or complete loss of mobility;

6. Bone grinding sound. Moving the fractured ends may produce a grinding sensation and a clicking sound.

Xray imaging is crucial for diagnosing the shape, location, healing status of the fracture, and distinguishing other bone diseases.

Strains, caused by external forces that lead to abnormal stretching, bending, and twisting of joints, can cause partial tears in the joint capsule, ligaments, and tendons, resulting in a nonopen injury. Symptoms include sudden lameness, joint swelling, and hot pain.

The treatment principle for strains involves limiting activity, stopping bleeding, pain relief, promoting swelling absorption, preventing infection, and accelerating tissue repair and function recovery.

In the initial stages of a joint strain, cold therapy can be used to reduce tissue congestion. After two days, warm therapy, such as heat compresses, infrared light, and ultrashort wave therapy, can be applied. Topical application of stimulating medications, such as 5% ichthyol ointment and camphor alcohol, can also be beneficial for promoting inflammation reduction and tissue repair. Strengthening functional exercises should be emphasized during the treatment process, and complications and secondary diseases should be treated promptly.

Traditional Chinese medicine treatment focuses on relaxing tendons, promoting blood circulation, reducing swelling, and alleviating pain. Medications like "Dahuo Shangshang Wan" (Bruise and Sprain Pill) and "Da Huoluo Wan" (Great Flexibility Pill) can be used.

A traditional Chinese medicine formula called "Baxing San" can be used: Angelica Sinensis 3g, Carthamus Tinctorius 2g, Oryzias latipes 2g, Natural Copper (brewed with vinegar) 1g, Herba Epimedii 2g, Pheretima 3g, Rheum officinale 2g, Arisaema cum Bile 2g, Draconis Sanguis 2g, Frankincense 2g, Myrrha 2g, Liquorice 2g. The mixture is ground into a fine powder and taken with yellow wine or rice gruel, one dose per day, for 3 to 5 consecutive days.

External applications for reducing swelling can include Rhubarb and Gardenia.