Suspecting that your pet has suffered a broken bone is a stressful experience for any owner. Whether it was a mishap during a hike in the foothills or an unexpected accident at home, a broken bone requires immediate, expert intervention. At Rock Creek Veterinary Hospital, your trusted vet near you in Broomfield, CO, Dr. Patrick Kalenzi, DVM, and Dr. Paul Veralli, DVM, provide the advanced surgical and medical care necessary to ensure a smooth recovery for your beloved companion.
Understanding Bone Fractures in Dogs and Cats
Fractures in animals are similar to those in humans, but our pets have a natural instinct to hide their pain, making professional evaluation vital. Common types of fractures we treat include:
● Closed Fractures: The bone is broken, but the skin remains intact.
● Open (Compound) Fractures: The bone has pierced the skin, creating a high risk for infection.
● Greenstick Fractures: Common in younger pets, where the bone bends and cracks rather than breaking completely.
Advanced Bone Fracture Repair for Dogs and Cats
When you bring your pet to our Broomfield, CO, veterinary hospital, our first priority is stabilization and pain management. Once the patient is stable, we use digital radiography to assess the exact nature of the break. Fracture repair for pets often involves more than just a simple cast. Depending on the location and severity of the break, our surgeons may utilize:
- Internal Fixation: The use of bone plates, screws, or pins to hold the bone fragments together internally. This is often the gold standard for bone fracture repair for dogs who need to return to an active lifestyle.
- External Fixation: A framework outside the limb that holds pins in place through the bone, often used for complex or infected fractures.
- Splinting and Casting: Reserved for specific, stable fractures where the bones can be held in place without surgery.
The Road to Recovery
The success of fracture repair for cats and dogs depends heavily on the post-operative period. As your veterinarian, we provide detailed instructions on exercise restriction, physical therapy, and follow-up imaging. Our vet hospital team is dedicated to monitoring your pet’s progress until the bone has fully remodeled and they are ready to run again.
If you suspect your pet has an injury, don't wait. As an experienced veterinarian near you in Broomfield, CO, we are equipped to handle everything from the initial diagnosis to the final rehabilitative steps. Our goal at Rock Creek Veterinary Hospital is to restore your pet’s mobility and get them back to enjoying life. To schedule an appointment, call us at (720) 669-4200.
