🦴 Fractures in Pets: Vet-Approved 2025 First Aid Guide for Bone & Joint Injuries 🐾

By Dr Duncan Houston BVSc

🧠 What Is a Fracture?

A fracture is a break or crack in a bone. It may be complete or partial, and may occur alongside other orthopedic injuries like dislocations or sprains. Fractures are painful and require veterinary intervention—some urgently 🚨.

This guide will help you provide first aid safely and understand what not to do before getting your dog or cat to the vet 🩺.

🦴 Types of Fractures and Related Injuries

• Closed fracture: Bone is broken but the skin remains intact
• Open fracture: Bone is exposed through a wound (risk of infection!)
• Dislocation: Joint injury where bones are displaced
• Sprain: Torn or stretched ligaments around a joint
• Cranial Cruciate Ligament Tear: Common knee injury in large dogs, causes sudden lameness

🧬 Breed-Specific Concerns

Toy breeds (like Pomeranians or Rat Terriers) are more prone to forelimb fractures and almost always require surgical repair. Splinting is rarely successful in these small, long-legged breeds 🐶.

🚨 First Aid for Suspected Fractures

Step 1: Muzzle your pet – even the sweetest animal may bite when in pain 😢.

Step 2: Control bleeding – use direct pressure with clean gauze or cloth.

Step 3: Cover open wounds with sterile gauze or a clean pad. Do NOT try to clean the wound or push the bone back in ❌.

Step 4: Immobilize the pet on a firm surface, like a board or large towel. Avoid unnecessary movement.

Step 5: Support weight-bearing with a towel sling under the belly for rear-leg injuries 🐾.

Step 6: Head to your vet or emergency hospital right away 🏥.

🚫 What NOT to Do

• ❌ Don’t try to splint the limb at home—it’s painful and can cause more damage
• ❌ Don’t flush wounds unless instructed—it may force contaminants deeper
• ❌ Don’t give human medications—many are toxic to pets
• ❌ Don’t delay—some fractures worsen quickly without treatment

🩺 Signs of a Fracture or Orthopedic Emergency

• 🚶‍♂️ Sudden lameness or refusal to bear weight
• 🔺 Swelling or deformation of the limb
• 🔉 Crying out in pain when moving or touched
• 🧱 Unusual angle of a limb or visible bone
• 🐾 Holding a leg up or limping suddenly

📸 How Are Fractures Diagnosed?

X-rays are the gold standard and usually require sedation for accuracy. In complex injuries, your vet may also recommend:

• 🧠 CT scans for joint and spine injuries
• 📋 Orthopedic specialist referral

🔧 Treatment Options

Each case is different, but typical treatments include:

✅ Surgical Repair

• 🛠️ Metal plates, screws, or pins to stabilize bones
• 🧪 Ideal for most long-bone and joint fractures

✅ Splint or Cast

• ✅ Used only in select cases (especially for small, stable fractures)
• 🔄 Requires frequent re-checks and re-wrapping

✅ Crate Rest and Pain Control

• 🛏️ Confined rest is critical for healing
• 💊 NSAIDs or opioids prescribed by your vet

📆 Recovery and Monitoring

• ⏳ Most fractures take 6–12 weeks to heal
• 📅 Regular follow-up X-rays will track progress
• 💪 Rehab exercises may be recommended post-healing

📦 What to Keep in Your Pet First Aid Kit

• 🩹 Sterile gauze and pads
• 📏 Bandage material or vet wrap
• ⛑️ Muzzle or soft restraint
• 🧊 Instant cold pack (wrapped in a cloth)
• 📱 Emergency vet contact numbers

📲 Ask A Vet for Emergency Advice

If your dog or cat has sudden lameness or a possible fracture, don’t wait. Get professional help from AskAVet.com 🩺🐾.

• 💬 Triage symptoms and next steps
• 📋 Treatment and surgery planning
• 🧠 Second opinions on imaging
• 🐶 Toy breed fracture care advice

📱 Download the Ask A Vet App for 24/7 access to licensed vets like Dr Duncan Houston—available when you need answers fast 🐾.

💚 Final Thoughts

Fractures are painful but treatable with proper care. Stay calm, protect yourself, and focus on getting your pet to veterinary care quickly and safely 🚑. Whether your pet needs splinting, surgery, or simply a quiet place to recover, the best outcomes start with prompt action and good veterinary guidance 🐾🦴.

Need urgent advice or support post-op? Visit AskAVet.com or download the app and get help today 💬.