A bone fracture often occurs in dogs and cats due to trauma, such as being hit by an automobile or jumping from a high location. If your pet suffers from a bone fracture, it needs to be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Along with being extremely painful, a fractured bone may be a life-threatening injury, especially if it is not treated immediately. Here are some signs of a fracture you should be aware of and the most common types of treatment our animal hospital in Waldorf, Waldorf Emergency Care, offers.
Signs of a Bone Fracture in Pets and Treatment
Unfortunately, your pet will not be able to verbally let you know when he or she has an injury, so it’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of a bone fracture so that your animal can receive proper treatment as soon as possible. Some signs of a bone fracture may include:
- Limping
- Holding entire leg off the ground
- Swelling
- Vocalizing pain
- Hiding
- Whimpering
- Unable to walk
As soon as your veterinarian assesses the injury, treatment for a bone fracture can range from putting on a splint or a cast to having surgery. If surgery is needed, it may involve the use of pins, plates, or screws to realign the bone and to hold it securely in place. Your veterinarian will typically take an X-ray to determine the type of fracture and the severity. Regardless of how minor you think the injury is, it is imperative that your pet be examined at the animal hospital because some fractures can be life-threatening. For instance, a compound bone fracture tends to require more care because there is a risk of an infection, which can worsen if not treated immediately.
24/7 Emergency Care
If you suspect your pet may have a bone fracture, bring him or her to Waldorf Emergency Care right away. We are a 24/7 emergency animal hospital in Waldorf who can provide care when your pet needs it the most. Call us at (301) 705-9700 for more information.