You may see or suspect fractured bones if your pet has an accident. Sometimes broken bones can be caused by a hidden health problem that weakens the bone. There are those where the factor is external, like a bad fall, a car accident, or rough play.
Naturally, a fur parent’s very first response is to panic. If your head is unclear throughout situations like these, you might encounter more problems.
How to Handle Your Emergency
Open fractures are the kind where a bone protrudes from the flesh. Some are internal, and severe pain and immobility can be the signs. Follow these step-by-step instructions to ensure your emergency is handled correctly.
Stay Calm
You must remember to stay calm. Your pet can feel if you are freaking out and may react the same way. You have to move your pet to a safe space. Be mindful, as pain may trigger your pet to be aggressive and bite or scratch.
Ensure that your pet is contained, possibly in a crate. This can ensure minimal movement to avoid more issues.
Call the Vet
You may call your vet hospital ahead of time. You may request a referral hospital if their pet hospital does not have emergency services. This call is vital as the vet can give you first aid instructions, so describe the situation as detailed as possible. The vet staff can prepare the needed equipment for your arrival.
Here are things to keep in mind:
- Do not pull or try to set the bone; don’t put any cream, ointment, or home concoctions on the afflicted area. Wait on the veterinarian to provide you with instructions.
- Have someone assist you in tending to your pet before and during the trip. If possible, put a muzzle to prevent any accidental biting. You need to keep the pet stable, especially big dog breeds.
- As much as possible, raise the affected area if there is substantial bleeding in open fractures. Wrap the area and apply pressure as instructed by the veterinarian. If the open fracture is on the chest, notify the vet of any breathing issues for the correct action.
What the Vet Will Do
As quickly as you get to the veterinary hospital, the team will be there to help you. Be ready for the following procedures to stay calm and mindful of directions. If possible, be with your pet to keep it secure.
Diagnosis
The veterinarian will assess the fracture and your pet’s state. Generally, pets are sedated or provided pain medication. This will enable the vet and the staff to carry out the essential tests and x-rays. Also, the vet will administer antibiotics and offer pain medication before the recommended treatment. To know more about necessary tests, visit websites like Northeast-Vet.com.
Treatment
Your pet might be put in a cast if the fracture is not severe. For open fractures, orthopedic surgery will be undertaken. There are circumstances where the bones need to be pinned, or plates may require to be attached. For really bad cases, amputation might be necessary. You may visit a vet’s orthopedics page online to see possible treatments.
The Takeaway
If your family pet experiences any terrible accident and shows signs of pain and fractures, go to the veterinarian. An x-ray of the affected location is required. Also, remember that broken bones are not always evident and can be confirmed just after diagnosis.
Broken bones are not to be ignored. Broken bones are scary for the fur parent and excruciating for the pet. However, with quick and appropriate action, they will heal with treatment by a vet.
