Bone Fractures in Dogs and Cats

When your pet experiences a bone fracture, prompt expert care is essential to ensure proper healing, restore mobility, and relieve pain. Dr. Harrison specializes in evaluating and treating fractures in dogs and cats with advanced techniques for the best outcome.

Understanding Bone Fractures

A bone fracture is a break or crack in a bone caused by trauma such as falls, accidents, or injuries. Fractures vary in severity, from hairline cracks to complete breaks with bone displacement. Common signs your pet may have a fracture include:

  • Limping or inability to bear weight on a limb
  • Swelling, bruising, or visible deformity
  • Pain or sensitivity around the injury
  • Reluctance to move or sudden changes in behavior

Some fractures are straightforward, while others can be complex, involving multiple bone fragments or joints.

Dog being treated for a bone fracture

Why Timely Evaluation is Important

Prompt assessment allows Dr. Harrison to determine the type and severity of the fracture through a thorough orthopedic exam and diagnostic imaging. Accurate diagnosis is crucial to develop a treatment plan that supports proper bone alignment and healing.

Treatment Options for Bone Fractures

Treatment depends on the fracture’s location and complexity. Options include:

  • Closed Reduction: Non-surgical realignment using splints or casts when appropriate.
  • Surgical Repair: More complex or unstable fractures may require surgery using plates, screws, pins, or external fixation devices to stabilize and properly align the bone.

Dr. Harrison will recommend the treatment plan that provides the best chance of full healing and return to normal function.

Supporting Recovery and Healing

After treatment, careful post-care instructions and activity restrictions help protect the repair. Follow-up visits allow monitoring of the healing process. With attentive care, most pets regain strength and mobility over weeks to months.

Call The Bone, Joint and Spine Clinic at (614) 889-9555 to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Harrison. Early expert care ensures your pet’s bone fractures heal correctly for a comfortable, active life. There is no charge for such evaluations and consultations.

If your veterinarian has taken X Rays, please load them on your smartphone prior to your appointment – that will save us time and cost.