Effective Treatment for Dog Leg Fracture: Step-by-Step

In reality, every bone in a dog's body is susceptible to fracturing, and certain fractures, such as spinal fractures, often require immediate attention. Fractures are typically caused by traumatic events, but when preexisting conditions like tumors or metabolic bone diseases weaken the bones, pathological fractures can occur more easily. Additionally, some dog breeds are more prone to fractures due to their physiological structure and lack of proper exercise.

In the event that your dog sustains a severe injury leading to a fracture, the veterinarian will conduct a thorough examination to determine if there are any other types of injuries beyond the fracture. They will prioritize assessing for shock, neurological issues, and internal organ damage.

Signs of a Dog Fracture:

Paralysis

Severe weakness or depression

Difficulties breathing

Abdominal discomfort or bloating

Changes in mental state

Dog Fracture Diagnosis:

Diagnosis and treatment of fractures require a series of diagnostic tests, including:

A detailed medical history and a comprehensive physical examination

Xrays of the affected limb or area

Thoracic and abdominal Xrays to rule out suspected organ damage, particularly in dogs with severe chest or abdominal trauma

Blood tests to assess for systemic organ damage, certain diseases, and shock

Dog Fracture Treatment:

Based on your dog's condition, the veterinarian may use splints, bandages, or other devices to temporarily stabilize the fractured area. Once their vital signs are stable, the vet can proceed with the final repair of the fracture. Some veterinarians may recommend consulting an orthopedic specialist.

The type of fracture repair depends on several factors:

The type and duration of the fracture

The location of the fracture

Whether there are multiple fractures

The dog's mobility

The dog's age

The dog owner's treatment budget

The surgeon's experience

The process of fracture reduction includes closed reduction. In some cases, closed reduction can be achieved with casts or splints without surgery. For surgical closed reduction, metal implants such as pins, wires, plates, screws, nails, or fixators may be used to stabilize the fractured area. It's important to note that surgery often provides the best outcome for fracture repair.

Common implants include:

Locked intramedullary nails

External skeletal fixators (ESF). ESF typically involves inserting pins through the skin and into the bone fragments, using a series of clamps and rods or rings to stabilize the main fractured pieces.

Advanced veterinary surgery can achieve outcomes similar to human surgery, and the repair materials used in these canine surgeries are also quite expensive. The most ideal treatment plan can be costly, but if you're unable to afford such an expensive surgery, you should discuss alternative treatment options with your veterinarian. However, keep in mind that choosing a less effective treatment plan may result in a lower success rate for surgery, a reduced chance of full recovery of your dog's limb function, or even recurrent fractures, necessitating repeated veterinary visits and increasing overall veterinary costs.

Home Care and Prevention:

Follow your veterinarian's instructions for home care, paying close attention to the bandage or splint on your dog's wound to ensure it hasn't become loose. Also, observe for any redness or abnormal discharge from the wound.

Keep all bandages, splints, or casts clean and dry. It's better not to use a bandage than to apply a wet one.

Follow up with your veterinarian as recommended. Regularly return to the hospital for Xrays to ensure the fracture is healing properly.