Care of Fractures

General Information

Certain basic principles apply to fracture care, whether the injury is simple or complicated. These principles include:

• Reduction of the fracture: placing the broken ends together.
• Fixation of the fracture: fastening any fragments in place.
• Immobilization of the limb: keeping the parts motionless during the healing period.

To help your veterinarian employ these principles and achieve satisfactory healing, you must conscientiously follow home care instructions.

Important Points in Treatment

1. Exercise: Exercise must be severely limited during the recovery period. Follow the instructions and limitations given by your veterinarian.
2. Environment:

• Keep your pet away from wet grass, puddles or damp ground. On rainy days, protect the splint or cast with a plastic trash bag. Remove the protective covering when indoors.
• Keep your pet away from dirt, piles of trash, garbage or leaves.
• Isolate your pet from hazards, such as throw rugs, slippery floors and stairs.
• Remove objects or projections on which the splint or cast may get entangled.

Notify the Doctor if Any of the Following Occur:

• The cast or splint becomes wet, damaged or soiled.
• Your pet chews away part of the cast or splint.
• The pin, wire or splint is bent, broken or loose.
• Your pet seems uncomfortable.
• You notice a bad odor from the cast or fracture site.
• The cast slips down on the limb.
• The limb is swollen or discolored above or below the cast.

Remember: Successful fracture healing depends greatly on home care.