Broken bones are traumatic and painful for your dog—and for you. You'll want to seek veterinary care quickly to ensure the correct treatment is started so the bone can heal properly. Knowing how to care for a dog with a broken bone can ease the stress your pup is feeling and ensure a speedy recovery. This guide will walk you through each step as you help your furry best friend.
What types of fractures are most common in dogs?
Broken bones can happen unexpectedly.1 Most fractures are traumatic in nature. The most common cause is being hit by cars, kicked by horses or falling.2 Fractures are much less commonly related to underlying illnesses that cause weak bones, such as bone cancers or nutritional disorders. Any bone can be broken, but the most commonly seen breaks are in the long bones of the legs and feet.2
Fractures can have varying levels of severity depending on the type of break and where it is on the bone.1 Fractures can be classified as:
- Closed (internal) or open (bone is showing through the skin)
- Comminuted (many fragments) or simple (one break)
- Transverse (straight across) or oblique (at an angle)
How the fracture is classified will help determine how best to treat it. But no matter the severity or the classification of fracture, you need to take broken bones in dogs seriously.
We spoke with Dr. Fiona Lee, DVM, who shared advice on how to best care for a dog with a broken bone.2
How do you know your dog's bone is broken?
How can you tell if a dog broke his leg or another bone? Look for these symptoms:3
- Limping or not putting weight on a leg
- Yelping or showing other signs of pain
- Bruising, swelling or an open wound
If the broken bone is a rib or pelvis, the signs may be more subtle.4 If your dog has an accident involving a car or a fall—even if she isn't acting differently after the accident—it's important to see a veterinarian. A fracture is usually diagnosed with X-rays, but occasionally more advanced imaging with a CT scan may be indicated.
Carefully take your dog to a veterinarian right away
When you suspect a broken bone, get your dog to a veterinarian ASAP; don't try to let the break heal on its own, as this can lead to complications.2 Be cautious when transporting your dog to the veterinary office—when in pain, dogs often behave unpredictably. Never give human over-the-counter pain medications, as many are toxic to dogs. Resist the temptation to wrap and bandage the affected limb, as this is rarely helpful and may actually be harmful. Instead, use a crate to restrict movement and transport your dog carefully to the veterinarian.
There are two main treatments for broken bones in dogs
Broken bones have two main treatment options: surgery or casting.2 Your veterinarian will make a recommendation based on factors like:
- The type of fracture and severity
- The location of the fracture (pelvic, femoral and humeral fractures are difficult to cast)
- The dog's age (young dogs heal faster)
With surgery, most dogs typically have a quicker and easier recovery time than with casting.2 Surgery may include a bone plate and screws on the actual bone, or a fixator, which is placed outside the limb to hold it in place.
Casting requires more nursing care, exercise restriction and veterinary follow-ups, including possible sedation if the cast needs to be replaced to prevent sores. Your dog may also need closer oversight to ensure she doesn't pee or chew on the cast.
While there's often a larger up-front cost for surgery for your dog with a broken bone, all the follow-up appointments for casting can add up, leading to the two treatments costing nearly the same.2 Check with your veterinarian to determine an accurate treatment cost estimate.
Broken and fractured bone treatment cost
| Pet | Average treatment cost |
| Dog | $904 |
| Cat | $1,243 |
Pets Best 2022 claim data
Medication is typically easy to administer
Your veterinarian will likely prescribe pain medicine.2 This could be a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) in a flavor many dogs will eat readily. Your dog might also get other pain relievers, like opioids. The administration is typically straightforward, and your veterinarian will walk you through the steps. If you're concerned about side effects, talk to your veterinarian.
How important is physical rehabilitation for a dog after a broken bone?
Some atrophy and muscle weakness occur with disuse after a broken bone.2 However, targeted rehabilitation is usually only needed if there's soft tissue damage, such as a ligament injury. Bone healing requires rest and lack of motion, so physical therapy should only start after bone healing is complete (usually around 8 to 12 weeks). Puppies can be an exception because they grow so fast that casting can alter how their joints form, requiring rehabilitation.
Four ways dog owners can prevent broken bone complications
There are four things you can do to help your dog have the best recovery possible.
1. Minimize activity
Dogs will want to be active long before they're ready.2 Remember: If your dog is bored, it's only temporary. You may need to keep him confined in a large crate or behind playpens and baby gates. Alleviate some of his boredom by getting creative with low-key activities like interactive puzzle games, treat mazes and cuddle time.
2. Don't let your dog lick the cast or incision
Make sure your pet can't lick or chew the incision or cast.2 Your dog may need to wear a cone for 10 to 14 days until the incision heals. If she has a cast, she only needs a cone if she won't leave the cast alone. You can always take the cone off when you're with your dog and put it back on when you leave.
3. Reduce an adult dog's food
For adult dogs, you may need to reduce how much food you give them. When they're confined and less active, they can gain weight if they keep eating the same amount.
4. Watch for infections
Ask your veterinarian about any infections you should watch for. For example, osteomyelitis is a rare bone infection that can happen after a traumatic injury.5 Open fractures and fractures that have been repaired with surgery are at an increased risk for infection. Symptoms include fever, weakness, decreased appetite, swelling and pain.
How long is recovery for a dog with a broken bone?
It takes about eight weeks for a broken bone to heal and for life to get back to normal for your dog. Of course, this can vary depending on the type of fracture, your dog's age and whether surgery or casting was used. Puppies heal much faster and may fully recover in just four to six weeks!
While a broken bone can be traumatic, the treatment and recovery can be fairly straightforward. Get your dog to the veterinarian quickly, and be prepared to shower your pup with lots of TLC while she's recovering. Consult with your veterinarian throughout recovery, and follow all their instructions closely.
From Pets Best
At Pets Best, our dog insurance plans can help cover expenses for broken bones or other injuries. If something unexpected happens, Pets Best policyholders can speak to a veterinary expert anytime through a 24/7 Pet Helpline.
Sources
1Kearley, Michael. (2022, September 20). Broken Bones in Dogs. PetMD. https://www.petmd.com/emergency/broken-bones-dogs
2Lee, Dr. Fiona, DVM. (2023, January 27). Interview. Conducted by Stephanie Dube Dwilson.
3Stregowski, Jenna. (2022, March 12). What to Do When Your Dog Breaks a Leg. The Spruce Pets. https://www.thesprucepets.com/dealing-with-a-dogs-broken-leg-5081743
4(2020, March 30). When Your Pet Breaks a Bone: Immediate Care and How to Transport. Animal Hospital of North Asheville. https://www.ahna.net/site/blog-asheville-vet/2020/03/30/when-your-pet-breaks-a-bone-immediate-care-and-how-to-transport
5Dickinson, Dr. Krystal. (2022, September 23). Osteomyelitis in Dogs. PetMD. https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/musculoskeletal/c_dg_osteomyelitis