🦴 Fractures in Pets: Vet-Approved 2025 Surgical & Recovery Guide for Dogs and Cats 🐾

By Dr Duncan Houston BVSc

🔍 What Is a Fracture?

A fracture is a break or crack in a bone. It can result from trauma such as a fall, car accident, or impact injury, and is always painful and destabilizing for the pet. Fractures can range from simple, clean breaks to complex, multi-piece injuries involving joints or critical weight-bearing bones 🩺.

🧠 Why Surgery Is Often Recommended

Dogs and cats are more likely to require surgical stabilization of fractures than humans. That’s because:

1. 🐕 Pets frequently fracture major bones—like the femur (hind leg) or humerus (front leg)—that don’t respond well to splints.
2. 🐾 Keeping casts clean, dry, and in place is nearly impossible for most pets, especially active ones or those with small limbs.

Surgical stabilization is not just about faster healing—it’s about ensuring proper alignment, minimizing complications, and restoring comfortable use of the leg 🎯.

🧬 Fracture Types

• 🦴 Closed fracture: Bone is broken but the skin is intact
• 🦴 Open fracture: Bone is broken and the skin is open (infection risk!)
• 🔧 Dislocation: Bones at a joint are displaced
• 🧵 Sprain: Ligaments or tendons are torn or overstretched

🩺 Commonly Treated Fractures

1️⃣ Humeral Condylar Fractures (Elbow)

Seen mostly in puppies (especially Spaniels) between 4–6 months. These are “impact injuries” from jumping or falling and always require surgery to restore elbow function ⚠️.

2️⃣ Radius & Ulna Fractures (Forearm)

Common in toy breeds like Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, and Miniature Pinschers. These fragile bones have poor blood supply and rarely heal well with splints. Surgery with plates and screws offers the best results 📉.

3️⃣ Femoral Fractures (Thigh Bone)

High-energy injuries often seen in cats and dogs hit by cars. Stabilized with pins, plates, or external fixators. While perfect reconstruction isn’t always possible, function can often be restored 🛠️.

⚠️ First Aid for Suspected Fracture

• 🦺 Muzzle your pet—they may bite from pain
• 🩹 Apply pressure to stop bleeding
• 📦 Cover open wounds with clean gauze or cloth
• 🛏️ Immobilize on a firm surface
• 🚑 Transport immediately to a vet

Never attempt to realign or set a fracture yourself. It’s painful and may worsen the injury.

🔍 Diagnosing a Fracture

📸 X-rays are essential for diagnosis and treatment planning. Sedation is usually needed to ensure comfort and accurate imaging. In complex cases, a CT scan may also be advised.

🛠️ Surgical Treatment

Fracture repair may involve:

• 🔩 Metal pins or rods
• 🪛 Bone plates and screws
• 🦴 External skeletal fixators

The goal is to return the bone to its original shape, stabilize it, and allow early use of the limb while healing progresses. Even in complicated fractures, skilled surgical techniques offer excellent results ✅.

🛏️ Post-Op Care at Home

Your job is just as important as the vet’s! Here’s what recovery involves:

🔒 Restricted Activity

• 🛏️ Confine to a crate or small room
• 🚶 Short leash walks only for potty breaks

💊 Pain Management

• 💉 Follow your vet’s medication plan strictly
• 🐾 Watch for swelling, discharge, or signs of discomfort

🧼 Incision Care

• 🩹 Keep the wound clean and dry
• 🧴 Prevent licking with an E-collar

🧠 Monitor for Setbacks

• 🚨 Sudden lameness
• 😐 Reduced appetite or lethargy
• 🦴 Delayed weight-bearing

Call your vet immediately if any of these occur. Healing is typically complete in 6–12 weeks, depending on the pet’s age, fracture location, and type of repair 🩺.

🏋️‍♂️ Physical Rehabilitation

Rehab helps improve limb use, prevent stiffness, and speed healing. Your vet may recommend:

• 🌊 Hydrotherapy
• 🦵 Range of motion exercises
• 🚶 Gradual walking plans

Ask your vet or a certified animal rehabilitation therapist for a tailored plan 💡.

📲 Ask A Vet for Post-Fracture Support

Need help with fracture recovery or deciding on surgery? Connect with AskAVet.com for expert support 🐾.

• 🧠 Second opinions on imaging or surgical plans
• 📋 Post-op rehab guidance
• 💬 Wound care and incision concerns

📱 Download the Ask A Vet App to chat directly with licensed vets like Dr Duncan Houston, anytime you need peace of mind 🐶📲.

💚 Final Thoughts

Fractures are traumatic, but with proper care and timely surgery, most pets return to full function. Whether it’s a tiny toy breed or a high-energy working dog, a thoughtful recovery plan and strong veterinary team are your best tools for success 🩺💪.

Visit AskAVet.com today to get support at any stage—from diagnosis to recovery 🐾.