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Treating Fractures in Cats and Dogs

Our medical center treats a wide variety of fractured bones. Fractures in dogs and cats are usually caused by trauma, most often due to being hit by a car, but also from jumping or falling from a height. Fractures can also be caused by cancer or from from weakening of bones due to metabolic conditions.

The complexity and severity of a fracture depends on the force of the impact, the location of the injury, and the age and health of the pet. The objective of our repair procedures is to bring the pieces of bone into correct allignment and hold them firmly in place so that healing can occur.

Depending on the specific nature of the fracture, our vets may use external stabilization or internal fixation methods. External stabilization consists of traditional splints, casts, and padded bandages that can be used to immobilize minor fractures. internal fixation involves surgical procedures under general anesthesia  to insert implants to hold fracture pieces together. Implants range from simple pins and wires to more complex apparatus requiring specialized surgical tools, such as metal plates, external fixators, interlocking nails, and clamp-rod internal fixators.  Although we can repair the majority of fractures we see at our center, in the case of an extraordinarily complex fracture or spinal fracture we may refer the pet to an outside orthopedic specialist.

Healing occurs at varying rates depending on the age of the pet, the type and severity of fracture, and the type of fixation. For example, young puppies generally heal within a few weeks, while healing can take several months in older dogs.

Pain relief through medication is extremely important in nursing an animal through fracture healing. We utilize comprehensive pain control methods to encourage mobility and provide comfort before and after surgery.

It is important to limit a pet's activity during the healing process to avoid pre-mature implant failure and so that bones stay alligned and heal properly. At the same time, it is also important to have some limited activity to maintain joint health, joint range of motion and flexibility, blood supply to the damaged tissues and to stimulate bone healing. In most cases, some physical therapy exercises are prescribed by our veterinarians after surgery.