[Bone fracture in dogs] Sometimes they don't show any pain? Explaining symptoms and treatment

Dogs are said to be relatively prone to fractures.Small dogs and puppies are especially susceptible to fractures from minor accidents. It would be ideal if you could immediately tell they've broken a bone by their pain, but it can be dangerous if they don't show any pain and you leave them untreated.

• What symptoms do fractures cause?
• What treatments are available for fractures?
• Are there any dog ​​breeds that are particularly prone to fractures?

Here, we've compiled information about fractures in dogs for those of you wondering about these issues.

Dogs can break bones in their daily lives, so please use this information as a reference.

What are the causes and symptoms of fractures?

Small dogs and dogs with thin legs are more likely to break bones. The main causes of fractures are:

• Jumping from a high place
• Traffic accidents or accidents at home
• Accidents during dog sports

These are common causes, and they are all things that can easily happen to you. We often hear of cases of dogs falling while being held, so it's important to be careful.

When a dog breaks a bone, it often keeps its leg in the air. This is different from a sprain, where the dog is still able to walk despite the pain.

When a dog breaks a bone, it's easy to notice it because it will whine and show signs of pain. However, closed and incomplete fractures can be difficult to detect.

Also, if a bone in the front leg is broken, the dog will lose strength and will often be unable to place its foot on the floor. Keep the dog calm and take it to the vet immediately.

What are the treatments and treatment duration for fractures?

If your dog breaks a bone, you'll need to take it to the vet for treatment. Treatment methods vary depending on the location of the fracture.

• Plaster Cast: This method uses a cast to immobilize minor fractures. This method is not suitable for dogs that move easily.
• Plate Immobilization: This method involves applying a plate to the fractured area. An incision is required to fix the plate.
• Pinning: A common method for fixing small bones, in which the bones are connected and fixed with wire.
• Intramedullary pin (nail) fixation: A method of fixing bones by inserting a metal rod into a cavity in a thick or soft bone.
• External fixation: A treatment method for complex fractures, etc., in which metal pins or wires are inserted externally to fix the bone. No incision of the skin is required.

The treatment period depends on the symptoms, but surgery costs approximately 200,000 to 300,000 yen. In more expensive cases, it can cost as much as 500,000 yen. Treatment costs are often covered by pet insurance, so if you have insurance, check with your insurance company.

Which dog breeds are more likely to break bones?

Small dogs are more likely to break bones than larger dogs. It's not uncommon for them to break bones after falling from their owner's arms or jumping off the sofa. Take precautions such as adding steps to sofas and laying carpets on slippery floors.

＜Small Dogs Prone to Fractures＞

• Toy Poodle
• Chihuahua
• Papillon
• Pomeranian
• Maltese
• Miniature Pinscher
• Italian Greyhound

Even in breeds other than those listed above, puppies are prone to fractures regardless of their age, so special care is required.

What are the first aid and prevention methods for fractures?

If your dog has a broken bone but you can't wait to get to the vet, first administer first aid. We'll introduce some easy methods to help you in an emergency.

First Aid for Broken Legs

If your pet breaks a leg or other part of its body, first wrap the broken part in a towel and stabilize it. You can also make a simple splint using items from around the house, but be careful not to tie it too tightly.

To prevent the injury from worsening, administer first aid and take your pet to the vet as soon as possible.

How to Prevent Fractures

Preventing fractures in dogs is crucial. To ensure your dog stays healthy, it's important to prevent injuries and fractures. Here are some key preventative measures.

• Training from a young age: Train your dog not to wander into dangerous places where furniture or other objects could fall over. Also, train your dog to return immediately when called by name.
• Improve your dog's diet: Feed your dog a well-balanced diet to build strong bones. (Excessive calcium intake can impair calcium absorption from the intestines and inhibit bone growth, so be careful.)
• Get your dog used to being picked up from an early age so that it doesn't struggle when picked up.

What to do if your dog breaks a bone or is injured?

Dogs can suffer injuries other than broken bones. Here's what you need to know about broken bones and injuries in dogs.

What if your dog injures another dog or you?

At dog parks, not only do dogs bite each other, but smaller dogs can also be injured simply by playing with each other. There have also been cases of dogs getting off leashes during walks and getting into trouble with other dogs.

In such cases, don't panic. First, separate the dogs. The owner of the dog that caused the injury must take responsibility. Contact the local health center and follow their instructions. You should also accompany the other dog to the hospital and discuss medical expenses.

In addition, cases like this may be covered by personal liability insurance. Please note that dogs that have not yet been vaccinated may not be eligible for this treatment.

Can dogs get osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis may be thought of as something that older dogs are prone to, but dogs can also develop osteoporosis for reasons other than aging.

While there are no known breeds that are more susceptible to osteoporosis, caution is advised in dogs that eat homemade diets, as they may have poor nutritional balance. Consult your veterinarian for dietary advice.

Lack of exercise can also cause osteoporosis, so be sure to get some exercise by taking your dog for a walk on a nice day.

What are some common bone and joint diseases in dogs?

Here are some common bone and joint diseases in dogs. If your dog is walking strangely or in pain, please take him to the vet for an examination as soon as possible.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

This disease is common in small dogs and manifests as joint stiffness and other symptoms. The cause is unknown, but it develops due to an abnormality in immune function. Observe your dog and if you notice that it is having difficulty walking or is in pain, consult a veterinarian.

Patellar Luxation

This disease causes the patella in the hind legs to dislocate. In the early stages, the dog can walk normally, but as the condition progresses, it becomes impossible to walk. Grades are divided into four levels, and when grade 3 is reached, bone deformity is believed to occur.
Causes include genetics, falls, and bruising. If your dog falls from a high place, we recommend taking it to a veterinarian immediately.

・Osteoarthritis

Joint deformation causes pain and other symptoms. Like patellar luxation, this condition is more common in small dogs and often occurs together. Joints can also make noises, so if your dog seems reluctant to walk, check for these sounds. It's difficult for an amateur to diagnose this condition, so if you notice any abnormalities, consult a veterinarian immediately.

Panosteitis

This disease is common in medium- to large-sized dogs. It is said to be caused by abnormal proliferation of bone cells during growth. While the cause is said to be genetic, it can often be cured with treatment, so visit a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Summary (When your dog breaks a bone and doesn't seem to notice the pain)

When a dog breaks a bone, it often lifts its leg, but depending on the type of fracture, it may be difficult to see the injury.

However, your dog may still experience some discomfort due to the injury, so if your dog seems unusual, take him to the vet.

Depending on the severity, a fracture can take several months to fully heal. Please support your dog so that he can spend his treatment period as stress-free as possible.

First, we recommend taking daily precautions and preventative measures to prevent your dog from getting injured or breaking a bone.

Puppies are particularly susceptible to fractures, so pay close attention to their behavior and train them to avoid dangerous behavior.