How to Recognize Fractures in Dogs

Fractures are breaks in bones that can occur after a strong impact. There are different types of fractures, and depending on their characteristics and the dog's own characteristics, the prognosis and treatment will vary.

If we suspect our dog has suffered a fracture, we need to see the vet. The same impact that broke the bone may have caused other injuries the professional will need to assess and treat. Let's look at the symptoms that can alert us to a fracture.

What Are Fractures?

A fracture is the breaking of a bone. Given how hard bones are, considerable force needs to be applied to break them. This can result from accidents such as being hit by a car, falls from great heights, or strong impacts in general. Unfortunately, fractures can also be found in abused dogs.

The bones most prone to fractures are the femur, pelvis, skull, jaw, and spine. If this is the case for our dog, we always need to see the vet. All fractures require treatment, whether immobilization or surgery.

In addition, there can be other internal damage we're not able to detect with the naked eye, such as bleeding or organ damage. Hence the importance of a veterinary check-up and follow-up. For identification purposes, it's important to know these types of fractures exist:

• Open or compound: in these fractures, the bone is visible through the resulting wound. This exposure of the bone makes these fractures more likely to become infected. Keep in mind that not every injury where bone is visible involves a fracture.
• Closed: in this case, no damage is visible on the skin, but there can be signs that make us suspect the presence of a bone fracture.

Symptoms of Fractures in Dogs

When a dog suffers a strong impact, regardless of its cause, the presence of a fracture is a possibility we always need to keep in mind. A wound indicating an open fracture won't always appear, but signs of a break, such as the following, can appear:

• Intense pain. The dog will whine and won't let itself be handled. It may bite.
• Swelling.
• If the fracture is in a leg, the dog won't manage to put weight on it. It won't be able to bear any weight on it.
• Deformities.

Skull Fractures

We'll highlight skull fractures given how serious they can be. So, there are different types. We can tell apart two with the naked eye: open and depressed. The first will look like wounds on the head.

With depressed fractures, on the other hand, as the name suggests, a depression or indentation is observed in the affected area of the skull. The problem with these fractures is that they don't just damage the bone.

The brain, ear, nasal cavity, or jaw are structures that can also be damaged. In addition, these injuries are entry points for bacteria, which can complicate the picture by causing infections.

How to Respond to Fractures in Dogs

After an accident, the dog needs to be carefully transported to the vet so they can perform a general assessment. If it's in shock or we suspect it may have spinal damage, it needs to be moved by gently placing it on a flat surface or, failing that, on a blanket, lifting it by the corners.

In addition, given the possibility a leg may be broken, we shouldn't try to reposition it. It may be necessary to muzzle it, since pain and stress make some dogs react by biting.

X-Rays of Fractures

The vet's exam can determine the presence of a fracture, but confirmation comes from an X-ray. This test is straightforward, but may require sedation if the dog is in a lot of pain and won't allow itself to be positioned.

The X-ray doesn't just confirm the diagnosis — it provides information about the fracture's characteristics and the damage caused. This way, the vet can give a prognosis and decide the most suitable treatment.

How to Treat Fractures in Dogs

Since fractures result from a strong impact, the dog will likely have other injuries or be in shock. Stabilizing the animal is always the priority. Afterward, the fractures will be assessed. Normally, displaced or broken bones need to be repositioned and fixed so they can heal in the correct position.

Depending on the characteristics of both the fracture and the dog, this fixation will be done by immobilizing the affected area with a bandage or splint, or through surgery. In the latter case, metal plates or screws can be used. When the jaw is fractured, it's fixed with wiring.

Healing Bone Fractures in Dogs

Generally, in cases where the dog suffers only a fracture and it isn't very complicated, the prognosis is good. Although keep in mind that recovery or post-operative care can be lengthy, and it's essential to follow the vet's instructions regarding the dog's mobility, treatments, rehabilitation, and follow-up.

At a minimum, several weeks of recovery should be expected. Finally, it's worth stressing the importance of proper treatment. Otherwise, we run the risk of the fracture healing incorrectly.

Bibliography Carlson and Giffin. 2002. Manual práctico de veterinaria canina. Madrid. Editorial el Drac.