Bone Fractures
Broken bones can happen in pets quite commonly. These bone fractures can be very painful and they can prevent your pet from standing, sitting or walking properly. Left untreated, broken bones can cause permanent damage.
If you can see the bone protruding through the skin in an open fracture, it is definitely broken. You should also look for signs of a closed fracture. A pet with a closed fracture of the leg will probably hold its leg completely off the ground. Your dog or cat will not bear any weight on the broken bone. A dog or cat with a broken bone in its back may be unable to move. Paralysis is a sign of a serious bone fracture.
Treatment for simple bone fractures typically involves splints and casts for broken legs and paws. Splints and casts hold the broken bone still so that it can heal. Bone fractures in hips and other locations may require surgery to implant pins, steel plates, and screws to hold broken bones together.