Fractures

                    Imagine a dog bounding across your backyard which is under construction. He steps on a nail, yelps, and falls into the pool. Which is empty. He falls hard, whimpering and yelping. You rush him to the hospital. The doctor reports that he has some fractured bones. You have heard of the word “Fracture” before but what really is a fracture?

Fractures normally happen in dogs and cats. It can happen when, for example, when an animal gets hit by a car. It can also happen (Back to the short story) When a dog falls into the swimming pool. Otherwise known as falling from height.

When doctors treat fractures the best option is probably an operation. They can put bone plates, screws, or pins to stabilize fractures. Another important part of healing fractures is casting. Yes, fractures can heal without a cast, but they may heal improperly.

Here are some types of fractures.

• Comminuted fracture: In this fracture, the bone shatters into three or more pieces.
• Oblique Fracture: In this fracture, the fracture is diagonal having two sharp ends
• Transverse Fracture: In this fracture, the fracture is straight across.
• Stable Fracture: In this fracture, the broken bones line up, barely out of place
• Open (Compound) Fracture: In this fracture, the bone pokes out of the skin. The bone may not be visible.

Surprisingly a break and a fracture are the same thing. Doctors would normally use the term fracture, though. Sadly, younger dogs often heal faster than those who are older.   

Pay Attention

What to do in an emergency.

Call the emergency hospital closest to your area. If you have a small pet it’s best to put them in a carrier and drive them to the hospital. Wrap them in a thick blanket so they don’t scratch. When you go to the hospital try to have someone hold the pet in a comfortable position. If you have a little medical history you can try to muzzle the animal then give it a splint.

Here is one way to make a splint (Source from Animal Hospital Of North Asheville)