My Dog Broke Their Leg – What Do I Need to Do? 

It is unfortunate that broken legs are somewhat common when it comes to dog injuries. If your dog has an accident that causes extreme pain and lameness, it may be a broken bone. This article goes into further detail on how to address a dog’s broken leg.

Is it truly a broken leg? You may think that your dog has a broken leg if there is trauma which is followed by limping or an unwillingness to bear weight. It is common for dogs to vocalize their pain and show signs of obvious limping. Other signs of broken limbs include:

• Sudden lameness
• Holding up the affected limb
• Swelling of the limb
• Vocalizing the pain
• Open wound or bruise

Fractures are known as some of the different types of broken bones. Keep in mind that some are more complicated compared to others. A closed fracture does not break through the skin. This means that no extreme wound is present. Open fractures involve an open wound. Therefore, the fractured end of the bone may have broken through the skin and caused a wound. Incomplete fractures are partial bone breaks. This means that the bone may show a fracture line on radiographs (x-rays) but it does not extend all the way through the bone. Complete fractures occur when a bone is completely broken into two or more pieces.

So, what do you do if you think your dog has a broken leg? Most of the time, a broken bone is not life-threatening. However, it should still be treated immediately. This is so the dog’s pain can be managed, and the fracture can be stabilized, preventing additional injuries, and giving the bone a chance to heal.

You may need to administer first aid before heading to the veterinarian. This is especially true if there is an open wound with bleeding. It is important not to move or manipulate the fracture site. Try to keep the broken limb as stable as possible as you make your trip to the veterinarian. Carry your dog and use pillows or blankets to avoid weight-bearing on the limb.

Once you arrive at the vet’s office, the vet will perform an examination of the limb. It is common for x-rays to occur. Your veterinarian will likely give pain medications right after the exam to offer pain relief. Regardless of the treatment method, the dog will need to rest and recover for a few weeks to months. It is important to follow your vet’s recommendations for home care as well as follow-up visits. Improperly healed bones can cause lifelong problems and require additional procedures and surgeries.