Fracture Surgery

Fractures can occur in either the bone or cartilage. Pets tend to fracture the bones closest to their body or their femur and humerus, which are the thigh bone and upper arm bone, respectively. Regardless of the location, a fracture can be categorized as incomplete or complete. An incomplete fracture is when the bone either bends or incompletely breaks, whereas a complete fracture is when the bone has fully separated and created at least two fragments. 

If your pet has a fracture, you’ll most likely notice they are holding up their affected limb or struggling to bear weight on it. They might lick or bite at the area, have swelling or show obvious signs of pain. If your dog or cat has suffered from a serious accident or trauma, they might’ve fractured multiple bones, making them unable to get up or walk.

At Foothills Pet Healthcare Clinic, we offer fracture repair treatments for both dogs and cats. Our expert veterinary team will assess the patient’s needs and provide you with pre-surgery, post-surgery and rehab services so you receive the highest level of care and best health solutions for your pet.

Which Pets Are Candidates for Fracture Repair Surgery? 

Different methods can treat fractures, ranging from a simple splint or cast to a surgically applied device that attaches to the bone. The treatment approach can vary depending on your pet’s age and the severity of the fracture, plus their size, activity level and medical history.

Any dog or cat who has suffered from a treatable open or high-impact fracture is often considered a good candidate for fracture repair surgery. With these kinds of breaks, fracture surgery is usually required to repair your pet’s bone and allow it to heal. This treatment also lessens the chances they’ll develop lameness issues in the future. 

How Does the Fracture Surgery Procedure Work? 

To determine how serious the fracture is and what surgical treatment is required, your veterinarian will most likely perform either X-rays, radiographs or ultrasounds of the area. Then, depending on the severity — and your comfort zone and budget — we will let you know what the best treatment approach is. 

Common surgical repairs for fractures involve a type of internal fixation using hardware such as rods, nails, plates, pins or screws. Similarly, external fixation repairs involve inserting pins from outside the leg. These pins go through the skin and into the bone and can connect with hardware such as rods or bars. 

What Are the Expected Outcomes of Fracture Repair Surgery?

The time it takes your dog or cat to heal from their fracture repair treatment can vary. You can expect older pets to take a bit longer to recover than younger ones. Regardless of your pet’s age, surgery outcomes tend to be positive with careful post-operative follow-up treatment.

It’s important to minimize your pet’s activity while the fracture heals. Try to restrict their access to high places and stairs, and keep them from doing high-impact activities like running around, jumping and playing with other animals.

Sometimes, your veterinarian might recommend physical therapy during the patient’s recovery to aid the healing process. Depending on the severity of the fracture and the surgical procedure used, treatments could range from cold therapy to massage therapy. 

Schedule an Appointment to Learn More About Our Fracture Treatments for Pets

If your pet has suffered from a fracture, Foothills Pet Healthcare Clinic has the surgical treatments needed to heal the damage and restore their quality of life. We accept clients within a 60-mile radius of our clinic, which is located in Mount Airy, North Carolina, and we provide unique veterinary care customized to your pet’s needs. 

To schedule an appointment and meet with one of our veterinarians for an exam, call us at 336-789-0009 or fill out our online contact form today.