What to do if your pet has a broken bone?
Fractures can range from complicated breaks with skin wounds and exposed bones to almost invisible hairline cracks.
Fractures may happen after a pet is hit by a car or has an accident. Before you do anything else make sure that you and your pet are not in any further danger. Move your pet if necessary.
Broken bones alone are not usually life-threatening, but they may be accompanied by bleeding (internal or external) which can be dangerous. Try to stop heavy bleeding with a tourniquet or pressure, keep your pet warm and dry.
Take them to a vet immediately.
– If your pet cannot walk then move them on a stretcher or carry them. Keep them warm and dry while you transport them to the vet.
– If your pet can walk then keep them calm and confined while you travel to the vet. Use a crate or pet carrier if you have one.
Never try to replace bones or reposition a pet’s injured limb yourself.
Do not try to place a splint or strap a broken leg as this may cause more damage.
Take your pet to the vet.
How do I know if my pet has a broken bone?
Sometimes a bone isobviously fractured, such as if bone pieces are coming through the skin or if a limb is clearly deformed.
Most of the time we rely on other signs to help us suspect a fracture.
These include pain, swelling, or abnormal movement of a bone or joint. An x-ray shows which bones are fractured and allows us to plan the best way to fix it.
WOUNDS near a fracture
Any wound near a fracture can be a source of infection. If you are able, flush wounds with saline and cover with a sterile dressing until your pet gets to the vet.
Dislocations
Sometimes an injury may cause a bone to be knocked out of joint (dislocated) causing severe pain which may look like a fracture.
Never try and replace a dislocated bone yourself.
Take your pet to the vet.
Highlights
- MOVE TO SAFETY
Make sure your pet is not in further danger. Move them if necessary.
2. CHECK FOR OTHER INJURIES
Cover wounds and stop any bleeding.
3. CALL YOUR VET
Keep your pet warm and calm while travelling to the vet.
Do not move the injured limb.
