Bone Fractures in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Bone Fractures in Dogs: A Common Accident

Dogs are energetic and love to run and play, making accidents sometimes inevitable. Whether it's a car accident, a fall from a height, or simply jumping the wrong way (especially in small breeds), bone fractures can happen.

Most Common Causes of Fractures:

• Car Accidents: Often cause severe fractures and may involve other life-threatening emergencies.
• Falls or Jumping: Very common in small breed dogs or puppies whose bones are not yet fully developed.
• Fighting with Other Animals: Bite wounds can crush small bones and introduce severe bacterial infections.
• Bone Diseases or Tumors: Can make bones brittle, causing them to fracture under minimal stress.

How to Tell if Your Dog Has a Broken Bone?

Initial signs are usually clear and include:

• Crying or yelping in pain, especially when the injured area is touched.
• Refusing to bear weight on the affected limb or noticeable limping.
• Swelling, redness, or bruising at the fracture site.
• In severe cases, the limb may appear deformed or bent at an unnatural angle.

Orthopedic Surgery Treatments

Treatment methods vary based on the type of fracture, its location, and its severity. Veterinarians use Digital X-rays to assess the damage. Treatments can range from casting and splinting to complex surgeries.

Surgical Fixation: May involve the use of bone plates and screws, pins, or external fixators. These devices ensure the bones heal in the correct alignment, restoring normal movement and function as quickly as possible.

At Makhamtia Animal Hospital, we are a leading orthopedic center for pets, headed by veterinarians with over 22 years of surgical experience. We are fully equipped with standard surgical theaters. In case of emergencies, you can bring your dog in for treatment every day, including public holidays.