Fractures are common injuries in pets that can result from being hit by a car, falling from a significant height, fighting or playing rough with other animals, and underlying health issues, including bone disease and nutritional deficiencies. No two fractures are the same, and proper break repair requires appropriate diagnostic measures. Our State Ave Veterinary Clinic team is experienced in repairing fractures in dogs and cats, and we provide all that you need to know in case your pet breaks a bone. 

Classifying fractures in pets

Veterinarians classify fractures based on severity, shape, configuration, and if a wound is present. Fracture classifications include:

  • Incomplete — Incomplete fractures, also known as “greenstick” fractures, occur when the bone is broken only part way through. They are most commonly seen in young pets whose bones are more flexible.
  • Complete — A complete fracture is a break through the bone’s full circumference with two or more bone fragments. Complete fractures are further described based on the break’s shape and configuration:
    • Transverse — A transverse break occurs straight through the bone at a right angle to the bone’s length.
    • Oblique — An oblique fracture occurs at an angle across the bone and typically creates bone fragments with sharp edges.
    • Comminuted — A comminuted fracture includes three or more bone fragments in varied shapes.
  • Open — An open fracture results in a wound from the bone penetrating the skin or a foreign object going through the skin and breaking the bone.
  • Closed — Closed fractures refer to broken bones with no open wound. 

Open fractures are considered more serious, because their infection risk is high. 

Recognizing fractures in pets

Pets with a fractured limb will typically be severely lame and will place minimal weight on the affected limb, or refuse to move if the break is severe. Other signs may include swelling and abnormal limb orientation. Since bones are well innervated, fractures are extremely painful, and some pets may become aggressive to protect the injured area.

If the fracture is secondary to trauma, you must be aware that the pet may also have internal injuries, such as bleeding in the chest or abdominal cavity, or ruptured organs, and emergency veterinary care is necessary.

Diagnosing fractures in pets

Clear imaging is important to classify the fracture accurately, so our team can determine how best to stabilize the break. In addition to X-rays, our team uses computed tomography (CT) scans to reconstruct a 3D fracture image. We therefore can handle more complex fractures, because we can see how the pieces need to fit back together.

Treating fractures in pets

Fractures in pets typically require surgical stabilization, because:

  • Pets commonly fracture the large femur and humerus bones, which do not stabilize well through casting or splinting.
  • Maintaining casts or splints in dogs and cats is challenging, because they are difficult to keep clean and dry, and avoiding pressure sores is necessary, especially in an active pet.
  • The cast’s weight can make moving difficult or impossible for a small pet.

Surgery involves stabilizing the fractured bone using metal surgical implants, such as pins, wires, plates, or screws. The primary goal is restoring the broken bones to their original anatomic orientation and keeping them fixed in place during healing. 

After surgery, you must restrict your pet’s activity, monitor their surgical incision, and prevent your pet from licking or biting at the area. Pain control is also important, and you must ensure you administer all medications that our team prescribes to keep your pet as comfortable as possible. 

Fractures are serious injuries and require prompt veterinary attention, so contact our State Ave Veterinary Clinic team immediately if your pet sustains a fracture. We will assess the bone break, determine the best way to stabilize the area, and alleviate your pet’s pain.