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Surgical Fracture Repair in Dogs
Written By hannah hollinger
Published: 12/09/2016Updated: 01/12/2022
Veterinary reviewed by Dr. Linda Simon, MVB MRCVS
What is Surgical Fracture Repair?
Some bone fractures that occur in dogs can be treated via a simple bone realignment and containment within a cast or splint. However, some breaks are not clean enough to simply fit back together via traction and require surgery to properly heal and allow for a return to a normal quality of life.
Surgical Fracture Repair Procedure in Dogs
As with most major operations, the dog will have to be anesthetized before the surgery can begin. The vet will then make an incision along the affected area. When fixing the bone into place, there are two main methods that are used dependent on the type of fracture present. External fixing uses screws to attach the bone fragments to a metal bar placed on the outside of the leg - these screws penetrate through the skin, bone and any other tissue in the way. This is most commonly used on complex fractures of the limbs. Internal fixing on the other hand, means that the screws are retained entirely within the body and merely secure the bone fragments to each other (or to an internal plate), instead of piercing through the skin to affix to an external mount. This is most commonly used on fractures in the torso (especially the spine) and head.
In total, the surgery will usually last for between one and three hours, with especially sensitive fractures, such as those of the spine, taking the longest to repair.
Efficacy of Surgical Fracture Repair in Dogs
Surgical repair of fractures is the most effective way to deal with broken bones in animals. Whereas humans can often make do with a simple splint and cast (because of our ability to understand the necessity of restricting movement of the offending body part), animals are far more likely to require a solution that can withstand a degree of force. Provided that the fixtures are not knocked out of place by violent movement, the dog should make a steady recovery from surgery.
When surgery is not affordable and a fracture is complex, limb amputation may be appropriate.
Surgical Fracture Repair Recovery in Dogs
Following the operation, the bone should knit back together and heal fairly quickly. Although this process is much faster in younger animals, most fractures in adult dogs will be fully healed after two to three months.
When it comes to aftercare, there are several main areas that owners will have to pay attention to. First is stopping the dog from chewing or otherwise disturbing the wound, bandages or fixtures - this is most easily accomplished via the use of an E-collar and restricting their exercise. Second is maintaining the bandages themselves. Whilst the vet will apply and adjust fresh bandages during follow-up visits, it is important for the owners to keep the bandages sanitary in order to prevent infection. To accomplish this, they must keep the dog's living area dry and sanitary and prevent them from picking up dirt and bacteria from the floor. It is also worth bearing in mind that painkillers will have to be administered to prevent further discomfort.
Follow-up visits will be required throughout the duration of the healing process, as the vet will need to check on the progress the bone is making and eventually surgically remove the fixtures. Additionally, they will most likely want to conduct physiotherapy so that the dog can maintain a full range of motion and does not incur additional injuries once they are allowed to exercise normally.
Cost of Surgical Fracture Repair in Dogs
Due to the amount of time, equipment and aftercare required, a typical surgical repair for a leg fracture can cost upwards of $2,000. This price can be considerably higher depending on the age of the dog and any other medical conditions they may have.
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Dog Surgical Fracture Repair Considerations
One of the main risks of surgery for fractures in dogs is the requirement for general anesthetic during the operation. Additionally, owners may want to consider the possibility that their dog will not heal particularly well (especially if older) and may require further treatment. Complications such as implant breakdown and infections can occur. That said, a surgical solution to broken bones is often the only practical way forward when dealing with many types of bone fractures.
Surgical Fracture Repair Prevention in Dogs
Whilst owners cannot be expected to monitor their dog constantly in order to prevent accidents that can cause broken bones, there are some things they can do to mitigate the risk. One of the most effective ways is to make sure their dog is receiving a good, nutritional diet that will create strong, healthy bones. This is especially true early in the dog's life, when their skeletal structure is still developing. Another measure that can be taken is to ensure that any large drops and precarious ledges in their property are blocked off. Much like young children, dogs are naturally curious and left to their own devices can blunder into a number of hazards around the home.
Paying for the surgical repair of fractures out of pocket 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.
Surgical Fracture Repair Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Colliexcocker
Ellie
5 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Limping
My dog broke her shoulder on both sides 5 weeks ago, operated on installed plates and screws. Did everything to aid recovery as told by surgeon,now has a swelling on elbow and still limps. She only started 2 x 5 min walks per day 1 week ago,now have to stop exercising her. She is very miserable ,having been a very active 5 year old collie x cocker. Can you advise re above.
Sept. 18, 2018
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Yorkie
Maia
8 Months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Limping
Maia fell off the couch and is not in any pain. She is limping and the vet recommended we get surgery. I cannot afford surgery. Can this injury heal with a splint or a cast?
Aug. 8, 2018
0 Recommendations
Without examining Maia and checking her x-rays I cannot determine whether I would recommend surgery or not; I understand that surgery can be expensive but a cast or splint isn’t as miraculous as many think. You should think about visiting another Veterinarian for a second opinion, but if money is tight amputation may be the cheaper alternative. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Aug. 8, 2018
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Pomeranian
Jack
9 Months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Limping
Leg Fract
Nine weeks ago our 7 month old Pomeranian mix had radius/ ulna fracture repair with bone plate and screws. He has been on exercise restriction since his surgery. His next recheck appointment is in a week. The fracture has not been x-rayed since his surgery. Should it be x-rayed before he is released for regular activity?
Aug. 7, 2018
0 Recommendations
It is good practice to take an x-ray to be on the safe side to check for any movement especially if there are any signs of pain or discomfort presenting; you should discuss this with your Veterinarian to determine if they feel it is necessary in this case or not. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Aug. 7, 2018
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Pit bull
Rosie
1 Year
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Limb Swelling
My one year old puppy has a fractured femur, the vet said it's severe that I would be taking a chance at surgery to pin it because there can be a chance she may have nerve damage and that would lead to amputation. What are the chances she would heal and be ok with the pinning of the surgery? I really don't want to consider amputation
July 26, 2018
0 Recommendations
Without examining Rosie and seeing the x-rays I cannot really give you any indication of prognosis; there are many variables involved including the type of fracture (complete or incomplete, transverse or oblique), number of fragments (if comminuted), exact location on the femur among other variables. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
www.acvs.org/small-animal/fractured-limbs
July 26, 2018
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Chihuahua
Lacy
5 Months
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0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Pain
Complete diaphyseal fracture of proximal tibia and fibula on my 5 month old 6lb Chihuahua. 1st quote for surgery was 4600.00. Would this be an amputee case if we can’t come up with the funds to get the necessary surgery?
July 19, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
WIthout seeing Lacy, or the x-rays, it isn't possible for me to comment on her situation specifically, but fractures of the tibia/fibula can heal quote well in young dogs with splinting, and amputation may not be necessary. If you aren't sure of the quoted price and options given, it may be a good idea to have a second opinion before electing amputation.
July 19, 2018
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Cocker Spaniel
Brady
4 Years
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0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Hip
Our Cocker Spaniel Brady broke his pelvis. Surgery recommended. Surgery performed. Yesterday had the 8 week follow up with xrays. Apparently the plate broke. I asked for the copies of the xrays taken as they were not showed to us after the examination. I am not a vet but am a mechanical trades person. I can tell where the break is located (screw hole) that the plate breaking was due to the installation and material of the plate. Both side of the pelvis were broken so the elected surgery was only on one side that appeared to be the worst. The other repaired it self. We now have to wait 4 weeks to see if there will be any discomfort to him before a determination is made to remove the screw and broken piece of the plate. Has anyone ever heard of such a thing? Pre surgery never discussed anything remotely possible happening like this.
Blue Heeler
Bane
1 Year
0 found this helpful
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Sleepy
Our blue heeler was hit by a truck about two weeks ago. He ended up breaking his femur in 3 different spots and from xrays and other tests that seemed to be the worst of it. We had him undergo surgery to repair the leg, with the vet inserting a rod in the femur, and wiring the bone back together. He spent two night at the vet after that, and upon coming home was when the tourture began for us and Bane as well. He would bark all night long, work himself into a tizzy and probably hurt himself in the process based on the yelps that he would let out. We tried creating him and that didn’t work, as well as putting a bed on the ground, still not allowing him on it but so we could be closer to him, which stopped the barking but didn’t help him sleep. He stands all day, starting to pass out standing up but is too afraid to lay down or even sit on his own. It go to the point where he had tension tremors because he probably hadn’t slept in a few days, so we brought him back into the vet for 2 more nights of evaluation and upon bringing him back it seems the only way they were able to get him down was to sedate him, because he still won’t lay for us. Is this normal? Is he just being extremely cautious of the leg or is there potentially something else under lying?
