Condition9 connections · 2 sources
Fracture
A fracture is a break or crack in a bone. Types include closed (no external wound), open (bone exposed through wound), dislocation (joint displacement), and sprain (ligament/tendon stretch or tear).
Key Facts
- Most fractures require surgery; splinting alone has a high failure rate, especially in toy breeds
- X-rays under sedation are the only way to accurately diagnose a fracture
- Open fractures should be covered with sterile gauze; do not flush the wound
- Never attempt to set or push a protruding bone back in
- Cranial cruciate ligament tears are common in large athletic dogs
- Toy breeds (Pomeranians, rat terriers) always require surgery for foreleg fractures
- Home splinting without pain medication risks being bitten and may worsen the fracture
- Species: dogs and cats
Connections (9)
Related Conditions
Symptoms
Treatments
AmputationTreatment
Irreparable fractures may require amputation
General AnesthesiaTreatment
Surgery and accurate X-rays require anesthesia
Pet ImmobilizationTreatment
Restricting movement minimizes soft tissue damage and pain around broken bones.
Wound CareTreatment
Open fractures require wound management