Last Updated on October 15, 2022 by Hamna Nouman
If your dog has a fracture, it is important to get it repaired as soon as possible. Fracture repair in dogs is a common procedure, and most of them recover quickly with no problems. However, there are some things you need to know before you take your dog for surgery.
In this article, we will discuss the basics of fracture repair in dogs, including how the procedure is performed and what to expect post-surgery.
First, what is a fracture?
A fracture is a broken bone. There are two types of fractures: open and closed. An open fracture occurs when the break in the bone pierces the skin while a closed fracture does not pierce through the skin. It can still, however, cause severe damage to surrounding tissues and arteries.
A fractured limb will usually swell up at first due to bleeding into soft tissues or muscles around it. Swelling may then subside after several days if there is no additional pressure from movement on the damaged area, which can lead to infection later on.
This is why it needs proper, immediate treatment with cast immobilisation application. You should contact your veterinarian right away if you suspect that your dog has a fracture.
How are fractures repaired?
The first step in fracture repair is to reduce the broken bone fragments into their original position, which can be done with manipulation or surgery. The second step involves stabilising the bones by pinning them together using metal plates and screws (osteosynthesis) or external fixation devices (e.g., rods) outside of the skin surface area.
What is the recovery process like?
The postoperative care for fracture repair in dogs varies depending on several factors. These include age and breed of pet patient, along with pre-existing health conditions. Most fractures heal within four to six weeks.
However, some can take longer than this because bones don’t always grow back together perfectly when they break. If it doesn’t line up properly, further necessary actions should be taken into consideration immediately after receiving diagnosis from a veterinary specialist.
During the recovery process, it is important to keep your dog as calm and inactive as possible. This means keeping them confined to a small area (like a bathroom or laundry room) so they do not put pressure on the fracture site. You will also need to administer pain medication prescribed by your veterinarian for the first few days after the surgery.
In most cases, once the bone has healed sufficiently, you can slowly increase activity levels until your dog is back to its normal routine.
Conclusion
If you’re a pet owner and your pup has had an accident, we hope that this article was helpful. We know how crazy it can be to see our beloved furbabies in pain—not to mention have unexpected expenses come up.
But if you want the best care possible for them, finding the right veterinarian is essential. You can read reviews online and ask for recommendations from friends and relatives.
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