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Our pets can easily fracture a bone in either their front leg or back leg. The front leg consists of the radius and ulna (with the radius being the main weight supporting bone), and the humerus (forms the elbow and shoulder). The back leg comprises of the tibia and fibula (shin), and the femur (thigh). If your canine companion has an accident and suffers a broken leg, a veterinary surgeon will need to assess the severity and location of the break.
Another name for a broken bone is a fracture. Dogs are no different than humans in that they can accidentally fracture a leg bone during times of exercise or play. Fractures of the long, weight bearing bones are most common. Not all events lead to broken bones; legs can also be dislocated or classified as a hairline fracture (small crack in the bone).
Broken Leg Average Cost
From 14 quotes ranging from $1,200 - $3,000
Average Cost
$2,000
In many cases, a pet owner will witness the event that leads up to the fracture. Sometimes, though, our pets suffer a broken leg without us knowing it has happened. If your dog exhibits any of the symptoms below, be certain to bring him to the clinic without delay.
In the case of a serious trauma, there could be other critical issues that are not apparent such as internal bleeding or organ injury. Do not ponder the decision to go the veterinary hospital.
There is a chance that a broken bone, contingent on the type and severity, could be life threatening. If the bone is impacting an organ or causing a part of the body to bleed, complications could quickly develop. The types of broken bones can be classified in a few ways.
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A break in a dog’s leg can occur when you least expect it. Your dog will be in pain and may be feeling very anxious and frightened. Remain calm as you prepare for the trip to the clinic so as not to upset or excite your dog, which could result in making the break worse.
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Transport your dog as carefully as possible to the clinic. If the leg break is the result of a vehicular accident, be aware that your pet could have internal injuries. If another family member is at home, have them accompany you, so there is an extra person available in the seat beside your dog, to provide comfort and to keep him from trying to move. Depending on the type of break, you may choose to fashion a splint of sorts to keep the break still. Do not attempt to correct the position of the limb.
When you reach the clinic, the veterinary team will first concentrate on stabilising your pet’s vital signs if needed. The following steps and tools will be used for diagnosis.
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Once your furry family member has been stabilised, the fracture will be attended to. Immobilizing the break in order to ease pain and prevent further damage to muscles, blood vessel and nerves are key. Avoiding further trauma to the break is important, too.
The options will be of a non-surgical or surgical nature. In the case of a simple, closed fracture, a splint or cast may be all that is required for healing. With a cast or splint, emphasis must be placed on keeping the injured area, and it’s covering clean and dry.
Other surgical fixation methods (like metal devices) may be a better choice. The decision will depend on your dog’s age, your home environment (are you home with your dog most of the time?), and your financial options in regards to the method of treatment. Your veterinarian will be able to advise you best on the treatment alternatives.
It is interesting to note the following points about treatment options.
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The length of hospital stay will depend on the treatment. The stay may range from one day to two weeks.
Home care is a very important part of the recovery process. In the case of a splint or cast, you will need to monitor carefully the condition of the bandage or covering. Looseness can slow healing, and pressure sores could develop. Prevent your dog from licking the cast or pulling on the splint. An elizabethan collar could be the answer.
In the instance of internal and external fixation devices, there may be a need for the removal of some of the metal device in the future. Your veterinarian will give you all of the information needed as to timing and requirements.
No matter which treatment method was used, follow-up radiographs will be necessary for eight weeks time so that the break can be re-evaluated.
In the meantime, continue the use of pain medication or antibiotics as prescribed. Do not allow your dog to jump or partake in high impact play. Walking, swimming, and wading in water are beneficial forms of exercise once your veterinarian says the time is right to begin.
She may recommend professional physical therapy such as an underwater treadmill. With the guidance of your veterinary team, you may be asked to do physical therapy at home in the form of ice treatments, flexion of joints, and massage.
Together, you and your veterinarian can have your pet back to walking in due time. Typical recovery length will be four to eight weeks. The age of your dog will be a factor since younger dogs heal more quickly than older dogs do. The recovery may seem slow, but the prognosis for a broken leg is very good when care and diligence is taken.
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Broken Leg Average Cost
From 14 quotes ranging from $1,200 - $3,000
Average Cost
$2,000
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Ask a Vet
Labrador Retriever
Two Years
Unknown severity
0 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
Me my wife and my daughter stayed at a friends last night and we left the dog inside our home! Came home this morning and she was holding her leg up walking on 3 legs! We have stairs in our home so I think that’s what happened to her
today
Owner
Dr. Maureen M. DVM
0 Recommendations
Hi, Sorry about that. It is possible that he tripped on something and hurt himself. It could be a soft tissue injury and in serious cases a fracture. To be sure, I would advise taking for a check-up. The vet can verify what it could be and the best treatment option. Good luck
today
Was this experience helpful?
Jack Russell Terrier
Three Years
Unknown severity
5 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
My foot hitter her leg caught in spokesof bike
Dec. 18, 2020
Owner
Dr. Linda S. MVB MRCVS
5 Recommendations
You say 'broken leg' in your title? If you think there may be a break, it is critical we have her seen. She may need treatment such as surgery or a cast. She will also need pain relief to keep her comfortable
Dec. 18, 2020
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Yorkshire Terrier
Five Years
Unknown severity
8 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
My dog broke his front left leg when he was a puppy. To this day when he is just standing he will still flex that leg up; he does not yelp when I touch the leg or anything but I’m just wondering if this is normal.
Dec. 9, 2020
Owner
Dr. Linda S. MVB MRCVS
8 Recommendations
If he only does it on that leg, it's likely there is some degree of discomfort. We do know that previous fractures can result in arthritis down the line. Other symptoms can include muscle wastage, a slow walk, reluctance to jump about and/or being stiff to stand up. Joint supplements would be a good idea. You may also wish to have him checked by a vet in case he needs stronger medicine such as anti inflammatories or pain relief.
Dec. 10, 2020
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German Shepherd mix
9 months
Unknown severity
2 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
Looking to adopt a Beirut explosion rescue here in Northern virginia. The adoption agency said she had broken or fractured her RF leg and when we saw her she still limps and apparently has been like that for months. I'm just wondering if there is any type of surgery that would correct it after having her go months healing on her own.. the elbow visibly healed wrong as well.
Sept. 28, 2020
Owner
Dr. Michele K. DVM
2 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. Without knowing what kind of injury or how it healed, I don't have any way to say if there is a way to repair it If you are considering adopting her, the best thing to do might be to take her to see a veterinarian, have some x-rays done of her elbow so that they can see what happened, and get their opinion on whether surgery is needed or possible. I hope that all goes well with her.
Oct. 5, 2020
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mixed
6 months
Unknown severity
0 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
my daughter puppy broke his front leg she can't afford the surgery is there any place that can help without keeping him
Sept. 28, 2020
Owner
Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I do not have access to that information, unfortunately, as I do not know where you live or what is available in your area. What you can do is to ask you veterinarian what options there are if you cannot afford the surgery, as there may be less perfect alternatives. They may also know of a lower cost clinic in your area. They will want to help your puppy and should be able to give alternatives. Most clinics also take Care Credit and Scratch Pay as forms of payment for unexpected expenses. I hope that all goes well.
Oct. 8, 2020
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Leo
Maltese
4 Months
Serious severity
0 found helpful
Serious severity
Has Symptoms
I need help..Hello. I have a 4 month old puppy that broke his back leg. Vet said he needs surgery and Im just worried that when they put a rod on his leg that it will effect his growth cause he is still growing. I do not have money to do a second surgery after he gets the rod put in now. will that effect his growth? Will it stay on forever? How long does it take to heal? How do I know when its time for a new rod or when its healed?. Does it even get removed?
Mickey
Pit bull lab
1 Year
Serious severity
0 found helpful
Serious severity
Has Symptoms
I don't know what happened to him really. One day he woke up from a nap and started whimpering and the next thing I knew it got worse. He isn't walking on it and we have only gone to see someone once. It's his front left leg. The bone looks like it's popping out of place and it started swelling. I don't know what to do and how much surgery would cost. I'm not sure what to do. I'm not even sure what happened and I just don't know what to do.
Oreo
Mixed
5 Months
Mild severity
0 found helpful
Mild severity
Has Symptoms
My dog suffered fracture in her front leg and it slightly broke her bone. I was advised to get her a cast and I proceed with it. but as days goes by, I noticed that her cast was slightly bent, is it normal?
Bruce
Pompek
15 Years
Serious severity
0 found helpful
Serious severity
Has Symptoms
My pompek age 15, was hit by a car. His both back legs were crushed in pieces. The vet said he can't do surgery because of his age. Therefore he can't walk again. Please tell me someone can give me hope on this situation.
Bowie
Pomeranian
3 Years
Serious severity
1 found helpful
Serious severity
Has Symptoms
My 2 year old male Pomeranian/poodle (7lbs), Bowie, was attacked by a pit bull in the dog park and ended up with a broken femur. We brought him to the ER vet immediately and they recommended surgery with an orthopedic surgeon ASAP. We followed the advice and Bowie had surgery the next day and received a plate with screws to repair the fracture and a “butterfly wire” for a small fissure at the fracture site. It was my understanding that it was a fairly clean break. 10 days post op, the surgical plate snapped, which the surgeon blamed on “cycling” which I understand as a standard over use and gradual failure rather than occurring from a specific incident. We brought him back to another orthopedic surgeon, who recommended a surgical repair using an internal pin, and stronger plate with screws, and bone graph. We did this and post op excessively tried to limit Bowie’s activity with anti anxiety medication and crate restriction. Yet one month later, the plate snapped again. We brought Bowie back to the surgeon and he said the failure was again due to “cycling”. This time he said there was no good surgical option left bc Bowies bone is so compromised and small, especially for his weight. The surgeon said he could try to surgically repair with a larger, stronger plate but it would be very risky bc the screws are also bigger and could very likely pulverize what is left of Bowie’s healthy bone during attempting the surgery, in which case, he would then surgically amputate the leg. This was a situation I was not prepared to hear. I then brought Bowie to another specialist surgeon who was referred by our vet. This surgeon said he could attempt to place a large rod down the bone and use external fixtures, however it was also very risky and he felt it only had a 20% chance of working. So instead of this risky surgery, the doctor suggested we try a conservative method of rest and pain management and see if the leg heals on its own as is, with the broken plate, screws and pin still in place. He did not feel confident that it would work but said it was a similar chance of success as the surgery. So we opted for this route To give Bowie a chance to heal himself and keep his leg naturally. No cast, sling, nor anything else. Just cage rest and medication to keep Bowie comfortable and calm. Recheck X-ray in one month and one month again after that. We are having an extremely difficult time understanding and coping with this approach. Has anyone else ever had experience with something similar? I have read several articles and studies about bones healing naturally on their own, albeit usually misaligned. However it is my understanding that his surgeries would affect his bodies ability to natuRally heal bones on its own. If anyone could provide insight or similar experiences of bones healing on their own after surgery, please share. Read more at: https://wagwalking.com/condition/broken-leg
Broken Leg Average Cost
From 14 quotes ranging from $1,200 - $3,000
Average Cost
$2,000
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