Broken bones in dogs

Overview

Fracture type influences treatment

A partial fracture leaves some bone thickness intact. A complete fracture breaks through the full thickness into separate pieces. A transverse fracture runs almost at right angles across the bone. An oblique fracture runs diagonally relative to its length. A comminuted fracture involves at least three pieces.

An open fracture communicates with a skin wound. Bone need not be visible. A closed fracture has no communicating skin wound.

Growing dogs can have partial fractures with bending when only part of the bone wall breaks. Toe fracture treatment also depends on joint involvement.

Location matters: fractures extending into joint surfaces can impair function after bone healing.

Causes

Accidents and weakened bone

A vehicle collision can break several bones. Falling from height can fracture a limb through a forceful impact. Bites can damage bone and introduce bacteria into deep tissues. Twisting can create a spiral fracture line. A tumour can weaken bone enough to break without major trauma.

Racing Greyhounds have developed toe stress fractures with repeated track running. Several forces, including bending and compression, can act during one accident.

Injury can pull a fragment from the surface, for example at the tibial tuberosity.

Growth plate compression can injure a puppy's bone without clearly separated fragments.

Risk factors

Very small dogs can break a foreleg jumping from a sofa. Growth plate fractures affect growing puppies. Older dogs may heal more slowly than young dogs.

Surgical-site infection can impair healing despite good initial alignment. Open comminuted fractures were associated with more healing problems.

Poor blood supply can impair union. Comminuted fractures had around fourfold odds of delayed union or non-union compared with other fractures.

Adult Spaniels' humeral condylar fractures can involve a pre-existing fissure.

Typical symptoms

A broken limb can be painful enough to remain constantly off the ground. Some fractures still allow partial weight-bearing.

• The limb may swell around the fracture.
• It may lie at an abnormal angle.
• Unusual movement can occur at the fracture.
• The area can be very tender to touch.
• A wound may be visible over it.

Concurrent lung injury can make breathing difficult after chest trauma. Pale gums after an accident can indicate blood loss or shock.

Toe fracture lameness may initially appear only after exercise. Dogs with jaw fractures may drop food.

Attempting to chew can cause whining with jaw fractures. A major collision can injure several limbs, preventing walking completely.

Complications and consequences

Tissue damage, infection and impaired healing

Moving bone ends can damage nearby nerves. Fractures can also damage blood vessels. Open wounds can introduce deep infection at the fracture. Growth plate injury can cause abnormal limb alignment during growth.

In retrospective follow-up, union was delayed in 64 of 461 fractures. Non-union occurred in 21 of 461. Malunion occurred in three of 461. Fixation failure was associated with more delayed union or non-union.

Prolonged disuse can reduce limb muscle mass. Joints can also stiffen. Splints or casts can cause rubbing or pressure sores. In uncomplicated comminuted long-bone fractures, the fracture gap disappeared radiographically after an average of 14.6 weeks. With complications, the average was 22.2 weeks.

Severe abdominal impact can injure the bladder alongside a fracture. Chest trauma can leak air around a lung and impair breathing. Surgical-site infection can extend into bone and complicate healing.

Joint-involving fractures can cause osteoarthritis even after union.

Diagnosis at the vet

Assessing injury extent

The vet first assesses general condition and vital functions after trauma. Definitive fracture care may wait while serious chest or abdominal injuries are treated. Examination checks for open wounds because these affect planning. After major impact, chest or abdominal imaging can assess other injuries. X-rays usually establish fracture location and pattern. CT can provide more structural detail when needed. Open fracture assessment also considers surrounding soft tissue damage.

Growth plates and joints

Joint-involving fractures can affect later function. Growth plate compression injuries can initially be difficult to detect. Subsequent limb development is monitored because growth may be disrupted. Toe imaging establishes whether the fracture line crosses a joint.

Toe fractures are usually imaged from two directions. Additional oblique views can clarify the fracture line. Images also assess fragment alignment during healing.

Treatment

Pain relief and stabilisation

Initial care relieves pain and assesses temporary splinting. Fractures below the elbow or knee are usually easier to splint than higher ones. Definitive closed fracture repair can often occur within two to four days after initial assessment and support. Open fracture wound and bone cleaning is ideally within eight hours of injury. Antimicrobials may prevent or treat infection in open fractures.

Splints, plates and other fixation

A healthy young dog's partial fracture can sometimes be treated with an external splint or cast. Surgery stabilises fragments in correct alignment during healing. Plates and screws can attach to the bone surface. Intramedullary nails support from within. External fixators connect bone pins with a bar outside the skin. Surgery on joint surface fractures aims to restore alignment as accurately as possible. Stable, well-aligned toe fractures can sometimes use a support dressing. Some fixation can be performed through smaller incisions with imaging guidance. Weight-bearing implants for fracture repair are also being developed in research in northern Europe. Bone grafting can support healing, particularly in ill or older dogs.

Recovery and follow-up imaging

Bone is still healing after surgery even though fixation maintains alignment. Young puppies usually need at least four weeks before returning to normal movement. Adults usually begin returning to normal exertion no earlier than eight weeks. One to three follow-up X-ray examinations may occur within the first two to eight weeks, depending on fracture type. Activity restrictions continue until imaging confirms healing. Plates and screws are usually left unless causing problems such as infection or irritation.

Toe fractures treated with support dressings usually heal in six to eight weeks. Toe compression fractures may heal in around four weeks.

In follow-up of fractures in 442 dogs, median time to union was 48 days. Traumatic fractures fixed with intramedullary nails took an average of 8.3 weeks to clinical union.

A new bone bridge, or callus, can form as fragments unite. A toe fracture line can remain visible despite sufficient stability.

Prevention

Keep dogs on a lead where they could run towards dangerous drops or ditch edges. Teach small dogs to wait for help getting on and off sofas to prevent falls. Use crash-tested car harnesses or secured travel crates. Restraints reduce injury risk during sudden braking or collisions.

Do not transport dogs loose in open truck beds, where they can fall or jump out.

Keep car windows closed enough to prevent heads protruding or falls during sudden braking.

Important for dog owners

Give medication only as a vet instructs for suspected fractures. Do not straighten a painful limb: moving broken bone can worsen injury. Avoid moving the leg when transferring your dog into a car. Gently cover open wounds with a clean cloth if possible without moving the limb. For suspected spinal injury, use a rigid surface to keep the body as straight as possible during transfer.

Keep dressings dry outdoors and remove outer protection immediately indoors. Call immediately for wet or foul-smelling dressings: these need checking within four to six hours. Report swollen or splayed visible toes. Prevent wound licking with the recommended collar or suit.

Use barriers such as dog gates to restrict access to stairs and slippery areas during recovery. Keep toilet outings brief and on-lead.

Frequently asked questions

Can dogs walk with a broken leg?

Some fractures allow partial weight-bearing. Toe fractures may cause only intermittent exercise-related lameness. X-rays or, when needed, CT can assess the painful area when fracture is suspected.

Can an open fracture have only a small wound?

What matters is communication between the skin wound and fracture. Bone can remain beneath skin despite a penetrating object or bite opening a wound to the fracture. Cover it with a clean cloth if possible without moving the painful limb.

Is a splint enough for a broken leg?

A splint or cast can suffice for a young dog's partial fracture when considered suitable. Upper arm or thigh fractures are harder to support externally. Many need surgery to maintain fragment alignment.

How long does healing take?

Young puppies usually need at least four weeks before a gradual return to normal movement. Adults often need at least eight. Restrictions are lifted once X-rays confirm sufficient union.

Why is my dog still lame after fixation?

A plate or other fixation supports the bone while it unites. Post-operative tenderness can be particularly apparent during the first days. Worsening pain may prompt examination of the surgical site or a dressing pressing on the leg.