Broken bones: causes, how to tell if the bone is broken, and how to treat broken bones

A broken bone and a sprain can present the same symptoms, so it is important to evaluate the injury as best you can and, if in doubt, head to your vet for a proper diagnosis and treatment. Common Causes of Broken Bones:

• Being hit by a car
• Jumping from a great height
• Sadly, human abuse
• In smaller dogs, simply jumping off the couch (or being dropped) can break a bone

  Possible Symptoms to look out for:

• Limping and whining
• Not wanting to put any weight on the injured leg
• Aggressive when that area is touched or groomed
• Not wanting to climb stairs/jump etc.
• Visible trauma
• Loss of appetite

  Types of Broken Bones:

• Closed (the skin over the fracture remains intact)
• Open (where the bone is exposed)
• Epiphyseal Fractures (fracture of the growth plate)
• Hairline Fracture (an incomplete fracture)

  How to Treat Broken Bones:

• Don’t apply any ointment or antiseptics
• Don’t attempt to reset the bone yourself
• Muzzle the dog if necessary as he may become aggressive when handled
• Depending on the injured area, prepare a make-shift splint using a rolled up/folded towel to stabilise the injury
• Don’t use a splint if this causes more pain
• If it’s an open fracture, wrap the area with a dry, clean bandage to prevent infection
• Get him to the vet as soon as possible, with as little movement as possible (using a crate is best)

  Treatment and Care: To ascertain the type of break, the vet will most likely need to do an X-Ray. Once the type of break has been diagnosed, the best course of treatment will be decided upon, be it a cast, pins, splint or simply pain management.

• Ensure your pet is comfortable and as stress and pain-free as possible
• Limit mobility – the bones need to heal so rest is imperative
• Follow the vet’s instructions to the letter and make sure you go for the necessary follow-up appointment to check the bone is healing as it should.

The good news is bones do heal, it’s just a matter of time – depending on the break. Some rest, lots of TLC and he’ll be as right as rain in no time.