A broken or fractured bone is a serious matter that should not be ignored. It’s especially true when it comes to dog fractures. Broken bones hurt, but they also disrupt your dog’s life, especially if it’s his leg. Legs are constantly used by dogs. They use them to run, play, dig, and scratch all over their surrounding. When a dog’s leg is broken, it can severely limit its lifestyle and level of activity.
Dogs with broken legs are quite common. Broken bones in dogs usually occur due to a force or stress that their skeletal frame cannot withstand. Whether you’re wondering how to determine if your dog has a broken leg, we’ve compiled a list of symptoms to help you.
How Do You Know if Your Dog’s Leg Is Broken?
What is the best way to know whether your dog’s leg is broken? If you’re not sure how to tell if a dog’s leg is fractured or broken, check this article to learn about the five symptoms to look for:
1. Trauma or Visible Bone
There is definitely a bone-related problem (most likely fracture) that must be addressed if you can see any actual bone jutting out or if your dog’s leg is clearly in the wrong angle or position.
2. Lack of Willingness to Bear Weight
When a dog’s leg is injured, it’s common for them to refuse to bear weight on it. They will occasionally pick up the leg and attempt to walk in a tripod formation.
3. Refusing to Play, Walk or Climb Stairs
When a dog is in pain, it may refuse to walk or engage in generally playful activities. Your dog may be in pain due to a broken leg in such circumstances.
4. Unusual Aggression
A dog with a broken leg will typically refuse to let you touch it and will try to snap or bite you if you get too close. Painful crying or howling can indicate that your dog is in pain.
5. Isolation and Lack of Appetite
If your normally cheerful dog seems to hide and refuses to eat, there is usually a medical problem. It could be a sign of injury or fracture if combined with any other symptoms.
If your dog displays any of these signs or symptoms (or a combination of them), you should take them to the veterinarian right away for an examination and x-rays. You can also learn about orthopedic conditions that affect cats right here.
What to Do if You Think Your Dog’s Leg Is Broken
A veterinarian’s early detection and treatment are often the keys to a healthy recovery. When a fracture is not treated appropriately, the deformed bone might become infected, require surgery, and even need an amputation. Why is surgery a good option? Check this to learn more.
While open fractures are easy to spot, some types of fractures may only be discovered after a thorough examination. A fractured limb seems abnormally twisted, bloated, or foreshortened. Your pet might limp, cry, or refuse to use the injured limb. These symptoms should urge you to bring your pet to a 24/7 emergency care center.
Final Thoughts
Dogs can suffer broken bones for various reasons. A break or fracture can occur when an extraordinary or unusual amount of stress is put on a dog’s bone. Your dog will try to become more active as his leg starts to mend and feels better.
It’s crucial to follow your veterinarian’s advice and don’t let your dog overdo it. You don’t want to injure them again and have to start the process all over again. Your dog should be back to normal activities if you have patience and follow your veterinarian’s directions.