Broken Bones (Fractures)

Your pet may suffer a fracture from blunt trauma, a fall, or jumping and landing the wrong way.  This can cause extreme pain for your pet and you should use caution when handling them.  For your safety, you may want to fasten a muzzle around the pet’s mouth before moving it.  See How to Make a Muzzle if you are unsure of how to do this.  You should then bring your pet to see your veterinarian immediately if you suspect a fracture.

Signs of a possible fracture include:

• swelling at the fracture site
• walking with a limp on the affected limb
• not weight-bearing on the affected limb
• painful to the touch
• exposed bone or bone pieces sticking out of a wound

Depending on the location of the fracture, this may be a life-threatening emergency.  For example, a fracture in the chest area could potentially puncture a lung and therefore would need to be addressed immediately.  If you are unsure whether the pet requires immediate attention, call your veterinary hospital for advice.  The only way to diagnose a fracture is by x-raying the affected area.