Bone cancer, or osteosarcoma, can also be a cause of broken bones. Feeding your pet a healthy, nutritious diet can ward off cancer and also prevent bone breaks due to malnutrition.
Even the most diligent and careful pet parents can have something happen to their pet. Part of being a responsible pet owner is knowing what to do in an emergency situation. The treatments and costs that follow an injury like a broken bone are also important knowledge for a pet parent.
Keep yourself educated in order to provide a healthy life for both you and your pet. Fractures do heal and bones often resume near normal shape and strength. Being vigilant, getting the right treatment, and easing your dog back into normal activity slowly means your injured pet can usually return to a completely normal, happy, and active life. See My Rates.
Sign-In ». See My Rates ». Get rates for your pet: Dog Cat. Boy Girl. Retrieve Saved Quote. Pet Care. However, some broken bones occur internally and never break the skin.
Move your dog to a safe, indoor location. Understand that she is in pain and is very likely to bite. She may also be in shock, depending on the severity of the injury. Be careful when trying to move her. Your vet will likely schedule an emergency visit for you, but understand that you may need to wait a while to be seen if the vet is booked up for the day already. Write down as much information as you can remember about the cause of the broken bone.
Was it a fall? Was your dog struck by something? Is there a possibility of other injuries, or is this the only one? Do not try to set the bone, and do not try to put any creams, ointments, or sprays on the injury. Your vet will handle all of this. If you try to do it, your dog may become more agitated and could bite you. If your dog is bleeding significantly, you may need to wrap the injury carefully with a clean towel or old shirt and apply pressure to stop the bleeding. Many dogs will need to be muzzled in order for you to do this, as the pain will cause them to bite.
If at all possible, bring someone with you who can help you on the way to the vet. While there isn't a lot of practical dog first aid you can apply to a broken bone, there are a few steps you can take to prepare for such an emergency:. Post the numbers of your regular vet and an after-hours emergency vet clinic where you can find them quickly.
If your dog is too big to carry or if you don't own a vehicle, know who you can ask for help with transporting him. If you suspect your dog has a broken leg, it's important to stay calm.
If you panic, you'll cause your dog to be anxious and afraid on top of being in pain. The faster his injury can be examined and assessed by a vet, the better your dog's chances of healing will be.
After your veterinarian has had a chance to assess the issue with your dog and determine if the leg is indeed broken he or she will give you instructions on how to care for your dog to help him heal.
This will likely include managing veterinarian prescribed pain medication and how to properly administer it for your dog. They will also give you instructions on to keep your dog from exacerbating the injury by walking on it. Make sure to follow their instructions to the letter, to help your dog heal as quickly as possible. If you have to leave your dog at home for any lengthy period of time going to work for instance , you will want to keep him kenneled or in a room small enough for him to be comfortable, but not get up and walk around.
Your vet might also recommend putting a cone on him to keep him from biting at the cast or stitches after the procedure. He will need your help going outside to go to the bathroom, so you might have to carry him out to do his business. He will also not be able to exercise like he normally does, so weight gain can happen while in recovery. Your vet might recommend a special prescription dog food made for injury recovering dogs that is better suited for his temporary sedentary life. Your vet might also just recommend you feed him less to avoid excess weight gain, which can put even more pressure on the injured leg.
While you will be tempted to give your dog lots of treats while he is in pain, just remember that he is not able to burn off those extra calories like he used to be.
You might also begin to undo previous training by rewarding him for nothing, so try to only give treats when he does normal good-boy behaviors like doing his business. Then, as the healing process sets in and your dog starts to feel better, the cast and stitches can be removed, but it is still important to make sure your dog takes it slow. Follow any instructions your veterinarian gives you regarding walks and play.
You want to avoid reinjuring the leg. Overtime, you will start to be able to tell your dog is feeling like his old self again as his mood will change. When your vet finally gives the okay, you'll want to start exercising him again to try and burn off any excess weight he might have gained in his down time. A broken leg is never fun for anyone, and it can be just as hard on you to see your baby in pain as it is for him.
Just remember to follow the advice of your veterinarian and continue to give him constant love and you both will make it through the process with an even stronger bond. Jean Marie Bauhaus is a pet parent, pet blogger, and novelist from Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she usually writes under the supervision of a lapful of fur babies.
For health-related questions, always consult your veterinarian, as they have examined your pet, know the pet's health history, and can make the best recommendations for your pet.
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