Seu cachorro quebrou um osso – e agora?

Última atualização em 12 de fevereiro de 2021.

Principais conclusões

• As fraturas ósseas são uma lesão comum em cães e geralmente são causadas por trauma.
• Existem vários tipos de fraturas ósseas – algumas mais graves que outras.
• Todas as fraturas requerem cuidados veterinários e cuidados domiciliares, incluindo a limitação dos movimentos do seu cão.

Acidentes acontecem, mesmo para os melhores pais de animais de estimação. É importante estar bem preparado para reconhecer os sintomas de um membro quebrado e estar ciente dos tratamentos, situações e custos que podem surgir.

Como os ossos quebrados ocorrem mais comumente?

Os cães podem quebrar os ossos de várias maneiras. Exemplos comuns incluem acidentes de carro, quedas de altura ou até mesmo brincar muito com outros cães ou pessoas. Cães com uma condição pré-existente, como um tumor ou uma doença óssea metabólica, como o raquitismo, terão ossos mais fracos, mais propensos a quebrar.

Quais são os tipos mais comuns de ossos quebrados em cães?

Os ossos quebrados com mais frequência em cães são o fêmur (osso da coxa), pelve, crânio, mandíbula e coluna, de acordo com o Kennel Club do Reino Unido.

Existem vários tipos diferentes de fraturas, listados abaixo.

1. Fratura fechada :O osso do cão pode estar rachado, mas a pele não está quebrada. Inchaço da área, incapacidade de mover o membro e gemidos são sinais clínicos prováveis. Procure atendimento veterinário e tente manter seu animal o mais imóvel possível para evitar que a fratura se agrave.
2. Fratura em galho verde :Nestes casos, o osso está rachado, mas não quebrado. Pode haver um pequeno inchaço e claudicação, e você ainda deve consultar um veterinário para avaliação e imobilização apropriada. A cicatrização inadequada pode resultar em claudicação e mobilidade reduzida da articulação.
3. Fratura composta (aberta) :Este é o tipo mais perigoso de fratura porque o osso penetrou na pele. Isso coloca o cão em alto risco de infecção, pois as bactérias podem entrar facilmente na ferida aberta. Sangramento, inchaço e osso visível serão vistos.
4. Fratura epifisária :Essas fraturas ocorrem mais comumente em cães jovens porque seus ossos ainda estão crescendo. A ruptura acontece na área mole do osso, conhecida como placa de crescimento. Isso pode resultar na perna afetada sendo mais curta do que as pernas não afetadas devido a uma placa de crescimento danificada. Your veterinarian can repair the fracture to allow for minimal growth defects.

Are certain dogs more prone to fractures?

Small dogs and toy dog breeds are more likely to experience leg fractures because their bones are much smaller and more fragile. It is especially important to be gentle when playing with tiny dogs and to prevent them from jumping off furniture or falling from elevated surfaces, such as out of a person’s arms.

Some medical conditions, like osteoporosis, can make a dog more prone to fractures. Older dogs have weaker, more brittle bones and are also more susceptible to injuries.

How can I recognize a broken bone?

Broken bones manifest as lumps or bumps on a dog’s joint that are swollen and painful to the touch. The animal may refuse to lay or put pressure on the limb, or excessively lick it. Limping or limited mobility are also indicators of a broken bone. If you suspect a broken bone, you’ll want to get to a veterinarian quickly, so they can perform an exam and do x-rays to determine the damage and treatment.

Diagnosing a fractured bone

If your dog is exhibiting signs of pain, such as limping or vocalizing, it is important to seek immediate veterinary care. Your veterinarian will perform a physical examination, ask questions about how the injury occurred, and take radiographs (x-rays).

How do you treat a broken bone in a dog?

The type of break determines the handling of the injury. Splints, casts, pins, steel plates, and screws are all potential treatments of a broken bone. The age of the dog is also taken into account; older and younger animals have weaker bones and are more prone to fractures. An X-ray will be taken to confirm the break.

Your veterinarian may temporarily stabilize the fracture by applying a splint, padded bandage or another device. Depending on the severity of the break, your veterinarian may apply a cast or splint without surgery to stabilize the bone. For more severe breaks, a vet will perform surgery using metallic implants such as a pin, wire, plate, screw, nail or fixator.

How much do treatments for broken bones in a dog cost?

It varies, depending on the severity of the break. Generally, the cost of a dog’s broken bone runs from $200 to $1,000 and up. Some minor fractures don’t require any treatment besides rest; others, like compound fractures, may involve surgery and steel plates inserted into the animal’s limb.

Recovering from a Fracture

Your veterinarian will provide at-home instructions specific to your dog’s injury. While your pup’s fracture heals, it is important to reduce any activity that could worsen the injury.

• Confine your pet as directed by your veterinarian. This may include using a crate or baby gates to restrict access to certain areas of the home. Use a short leash when going outside for potty breaks.
• Reduce activity. Do not allow playing, running, or jumping on or off furniture. Consider keeping your dogs occupied with mental games, such as puzzles or KONG toys.

Your dog will try to use the broken leg before the fracture is completely healed. Please continue to follow your veterinarian’s recommendations of reduced activity until bone healing has been confirmed with x-rays. Getting back to regular activities too soon can cause serious complications.

Can I prevent broken bones?

Most of the time, yes! Car accidents are a major cause of broken bones in dogs; by keeping your pet leashed or inside, you can easily prevent any traffic-related injuries. Bone cancer, or osteosarcoma, can also be a cause of broken bones. Feeding your pet a healthy, nutritious diet can ward off cancer and also prevent bone breaks due to malnutrition.

How do I transport a dog with a broken bone?

In an emergency, it’s important to know the right steps to follow in order to protect your pet’s health.

1. Call your local veterinarian or animal hospital and describe the injury. This prepares them for your arrival, and they may also require you to perform minor first aid.
2. Try to stabilize the limb by wrapping it loosely in a towel. Be careful – hurt animals sometimes lash out, even at their owners! Most emergency experts recommend muzzling your dog before attempting any care.
3. If possible, have someone help you move the animal into the car. Lift the animal onto a blanket and lift the corners of the blanket, moving the dog as little as possible.
4. Again, if possible, have someone else drive, and try to keep the animal stationary and calm it down until you reach the vet clinic or hospital.

Even the most diligent and careful pet parents can have something happen to their pet. Part of being a responsible pet owner is knowing what to do in an emergency situation. The treatments and costs that follow an injury like a broken bone are also important knowledge for a pet parent. Keep yourself educated in order to provide a healthy life for both you and your pet.

The good news

Fractures do heal and bones often resume near normal shape and strength. Being vigilant, getting the right treatment, and easing your dog back into normal activity slowly means your injured pet can usually return to a completely normal, happy, and active life.

Broken bones are just the kind of unexpected accident that pet insurance is designed to cover, given that it’s not a pre-existing condition and the two-week waiting period after enrollment has passed. With Healthy Paws, you can be reimbursed up to 90% of your vet bills for broken bones and other incidents.

The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinarian advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical diagnosis, condition, or treatment options.