What is Broken Leg?
Our pets can fracture bones in either their front or back legs. 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 veterinarian 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. Not all events lead to broken bones; legs can also be dislocated or may have smaller fractures known as hairline fractures (small crack in the bone).
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Average Cost
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Symptoms of Broken Leg in Dogs
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.
- Abnormal movement of a limb
- Holding the leg up
- Swelling in a limb
- Pain
- Whining
- Unwillingness or inability to walk
- Severe lameness
- Grinding or popping sounds of bone
- Bruising
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.
Types
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.
- Incomplete or complete fracture
- This description means the fracture has occurred partway around the bone (incomplete) or broken through the circumference of the bone (complete).
- Transverse, oblique or comminuted
- This is a complete fracture described as transverse (straight across bone), oblique (diagonally across the bone), and comminuted (the break is in three or more pieces)
- Open or closed fracture
- If there is a wound in the skin where the fracture is located, it is called 'open'. If there is no visible wound, it is called 'closed'
Causes of Broken Leg in Dogs
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 situation worse.
- Vehicular trauma
- Play and exercise
- Sports
- Underlying disease
- Diet (too much phosphorus or Vitamin A, not enough calcium)
- Bone cancer
- Inherited collagen defect (weakens bones)
- Falls
- Age (young bones are not fully formed)
- Breed (toy breeds have tiny bones, easier to break)
Diagnosis of Broken Leg in Dogs
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.
- Intravenous will be initiated if your dog requires it, to begin the use of fluids, pain medication or antibiotics
- A urinary catheter may be inserted, so your dog does not feel the need to stand to urinate, and so he does not stress about not being able to pass urine
- The veterinarian will check for organ injury or other signs of trauma
- Blood work may be done
- Your dog will most likely be sedated so the veterinary team can do radiographs of the body (leg views to check for the break, abdominal and chest views to verify that the heart and lungs are without complications)
- An abdominal ultrasound will be done if needed for additional organ analysis
Treatment of Broken Leg in Dogs
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.
- A cast may, at first, seem like the most economical choice for treatment
- However, a cast or splint requires many additional appointments due to evaluations, changes, and possible repairs or replacements
- The overall healing period may be longer with a cast or splint
- An external metal fixation device will involve pins being put through the bone to splint it, without entering the body (except for the pins)
- An internal fixation device will be implanted under the skin and in the bone with the use of screws, pins, wires or plates
- As a pet owner, you may feel uncomfortable discussing the amputation of a limb, but this is sometimes the best decision when it comes to a severely damaged leg
- Dogs adapt very quickly to living with three legs
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Recovery of Broken Leg in Dogs
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. Most veterinarians recommend weekly rechecks for splints to monitor for signs of underlying problems.
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 to twelve 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 twelve 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 can be good when care and diligence is taken.
Paying to treat a broken leg can be a major financial burden. Fortunately, most pet insurance companies reimburse claims within 3 days, putting 90% of the bill back in your pocket. In the market for pet insurance? Compare leading pet insurance companies to find the right plan for your pet.
Broken Leg Average Cost
From 14 quotes ranging from $1,200 - $3,000
Average Cost
$2,000
Top
Broken Leg Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Labrador Retriever
Two Years
15 found this helpful
15 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Holding Leg Up
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
Feb. 21, 2021
Answered by Dr. Maureen M. DVM
15 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
Feb. 21, 2021
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Jack Russell Terrier
Three Years
19 found this helpful
19 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Broken Leg
My foot hitter her leg caught in spokesof bike
Dec. 18, 2020
Answered by Dr. Linda S. MVB MRCVS
19 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
20 found this helpful
20 found this helpful
My pet has the following 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
Answered by Dr. Linda S. MVB MRCVS
20 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
3 found this helpful
3 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Rf Elbow Lameness
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
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
3 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
6 found this helpful
6 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Broke Front Leg
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
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
6 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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Maltese
Leo
4 Months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Swelling
Limping
Not Moving
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?
Pit bull lab
Mickey
1 Year
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Swelling
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.
Broken Leg Average Cost
From 14 quotes ranging from $1,200 - $3,000
Average Cost
$2,000
Get a free pet insurance quote in less than 60 seconds!
Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
