How To Treat Dog Fractures And Broken Bones
Dog injuries can happen at any time, so if you own a dog you must be prepared to provide your dog with first aid 24 hours a day.
One of the most widespread injuries to a dog are broken bones and fractures, with the most common being fractures of the legs.
Dog fractures are split in to two categories: open or closed.
Open fractures are where a wound exposes the bone which can often be seen protruding through the skin.
These open fractures are liable to infection as the wound is polluted with dirt and bacteria.
Injuries that cause fractures can lead to shock so you have to look out for any signs that your dog could be suffering from shock.
It is a natural reaction for an injured dog to snap at or try to bite you.
Some reassurance and a smooth calm voice will help to avoid any injuries.
It is a good idea to muzzle the dog while you examine the injured area.
If the fracture is open, clean any debris from the wound with clean water and apply a sterile dressing.
The dressing can be made from several layers of gauze pads or if these are not available apply a clean cloth or towel.
Splinting Open fractures generally should not have a splint applied.
you can do a lot more damage with incorrect splinting than any good you might do.
Place a large folded towel beneath the leg for support and transport your dog to the veterinarian as quickly as possible.
If the fracture is closed however,you can apply a temporary splint but only to immobilize the limb.
Do not try to reset the bone, leave that to your veterinarian.
All you are trying to do is stop the limb from moving while you are taking your dog to the vet.
You can use various things as a splint e.
g.
a fo;de newspaper or magazine, thick cardboard or even bubble wrap.
Tape the splints to the leg using torn pieces of cloth or gauze but ensure that the circulation is not impeded by wrapping too tightly.
To avoid any additional injuries keep your dog as still as possible.
A stretcher can be improvised by using a blanket like a hammock or a piece of plywood.
If your dog has a head injury or spinal injury then you must consult your veterinarian before attempting to transport the animal yourself.
Such injuries require specialist handling and have to be transported very delicately.
One of the most widespread injuries to a dog are broken bones and fractures, with the most common being fractures of the legs.
Dog fractures are split in to two categories: open or closed.
Open fractures are where a wound exposes the bone which can often be seen protruding through the skin.
These open fractures are liable to infection as the wound is polluted with dirt and bacteria.
Injuries that cause fractures can lead to shock so you have to look out for any signs that your dog could be suffering from shock.
It is a natural reaction for an injured dog to snap at or try to bite you.
Some reassurance and a smooth calm voice will help to avoid any injuries.
It is a good idea to muzzle the dog while you examine the injured area.
If the fracture is open, clean any debris from the wound with clean water and apply a sterile dressing.
The dressing can be made from several layers of gauze pads or if these are not available apply a clean cloth or towel.
Splinting Open fractures generally should not have a splint applied.
you can do a lot more damage with incorrect splinting than any good you might do.
Place a large folded towel beneath the leg for support and transport your dog to the veterinarian as quickly as possible.
If the fracture is closed however,you can apply a temporary splint but only to immobilize the limb.
Do not try to reset the bone, leave that to your veterinarian.
All you are trying to do is stop the limb from moving while you are taking your dog to the vet.
You can use various things as a splint e.
g.
a fo;de newspaper or magazine, thick cardboard or even bubble wrap.
Tape the splints to the leg using torn pieces of cloth or gauze but ensure that the circulation is not impeded by wrapping too tightly.
To avoid any additional injuries keep your dog as still as possible.
A stretcher can be improvised by using a blanket like a hammock or a piece of plywood.
If your dog has a head injury or spinal injury then you must consult your veterinarian before attempting to transport the animal yourself.
Such injuries require specialist handling and have to be transported very delicately.
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