The long bones of dogs and cats are almost identical to the bones of the legs and arms of people, and just like people, dogs and cats can break these bones due to trauma. A bone can break in many ways; this is called a fracture. Fractures are classified into several categories: Incomplete, Complete, Transverse, Oblique and Comminuted. The type of fracture will determine the length and cost of surgery and/or treatment. With surgical intervention, fractures have a more successful chance of healing as the instability is eliminated and this allows for the bone to adequately heal.
Surgery does dramatically improve the chances of the fracture healing, and by using plating, pin, and/or wire techniques, most fractures can be stabilized surgically. This depends on a case by case basis however. If there are financial constraints and surgery is not a viable option, external coaptation (splinting / bandaging) can be attempted. However, it must be reiterated that bone healing may not fare as well with external coaptation as it would with surgical repair. Some cases may require limb amputation depending on severity and financial constraints. Below is a range of options for treatment, comparing a surgical fracture repair with and without complications, external coaptation, and/or to limb amputation.
Surgical Options
- Fracture repair
- Limb Amputation
**Surgical options are only with qualified veterinarians, based on availability. Surgery may also available with a mobile Boarded Veterinary Surgeon if preferred. You will need a consultation with a boarding surgeon for accurate costs, based on case by case basis.
Non-Surgical Options (Splinting & Bandaging)
