A broken bone or fracture in a pet is a serious medical emergency. Without treatment, your pet could suffer from permanent deformity, inability to walk, infection, or internal bleeding. You should not try to treat a fracture yourself. Instead, you should take your pet to an emergency veterinary hospital for treatment. Here’s everything you need to know about bone fractures in cats and dogs.
What Causes Broken Bones in Pets?
Your pet can suffer from a fracture after a traumatic injury. The most common causes of broken bones in cats and dogs are:
- Car accidents or being hit by a car.
- A fall or jump from a high place.
- Jumping off of a piece of furniture, counter, bed, or table.
- A fight with another animal.
- Abuse.
- Repetitive stress or trauma caused by excessive exercise or activity combined with aging bones.
How Do You Know if Your Pet Has a Broken Bone?
Your pet will likely make it clear he is injured. They may try to hide under or behind furniture, in a closet, or somewhere outside. They may walk with a limp or refuse to stand or walk. They may cry, whimper, whine, or bark in pain. They may react with aggression if you try to touch or move him. Other signs of a broken bone in pets are:
- Swelling, bruising, or bleeding at the site of the injury.
- A broken bone protruding from the skin.
- A deformed or twisted limb.
- Your pet favoring one or more limbs over another.
- Excessive licking of an injured area.
What Should You Do if Your Pet Has a Broken Bone?
If you suspect your pet has a bone fracture, you should make sure he gets immediate medical care. Do not try to fix or set a broken bone yourself at home. Instead, call the closest veterinary hospital and give them as much information as possible about your pet’s injury and tell them you’re bringing him in.
Take your pet to an emergency veterinary hospital as soon as possible if you suspect your pet has a broken bone.