How to Diagnose Broken Bones in Dogs

Last Updated: January 10, 2023

Dogs can break a bone as a result of getting hit by a car, falling, or even from getting stepped on. You might suspect that your dog has a broken bone because he has been limping or showing other signs that he is in pain. If you suspect that your dog has a broken bone, then take him to see a veterinarian right away. Not treating your dog’s broken bone will prolong his pain, lead to an infection, and it may even kill him.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Identifying Symptoms of a Broken Bone

1
Consider recent events. Dogs can break bones as a result of being hit by a car, falling from a height, getting a leg caught in a hole, or from being stepped on (small dogs).^{[1]
X
Research source} Think about recent events that may have injured your dog. If your dog went missing for a few days and then came back limping, then there is a good chance that he was injured.
- If your dog has just been hit by a car or if he has other signs of a visible injury (bleeding, bone sticking out, etc.), then you need to take him to a veterinarian right away.^{[2]
  X
  Research source}
2
Watch for limping. Your dog may be trying to stay off of the affected leg or he may be favoring one side over another. If you notice that your dog is limping, then this is a strong indicator that he may have a broken bone.
- Your dog may also be avoiding walking at all if it hurts too much. If your dog is laying around more than is usual for him, then this can also indicate that something is wrong.
- Keep in mind that dogs may limp due to a broken bone in the leg, hips, or even the ribs.^{[3]
  X
  Research source}
Advertisement
3
Check for other signs of pain. If your dog has a broken bone then he may whimper, yelp, or make other sounds to indicate that he is in pain.^{[4]
X
Research source} You may also notice him voicing his pain when he does normal daily activities, such as going up a step, laying down, sitting, or going to the bathroom.
4
Pay attention to your dog’s behavior. Take notice if your dog starts acting in a strange way, such as by hiding or growling when someone approaches him. This change in behavior can be due to his pain and stress levels.
- You may need to muzzle your dog to prevent him from biting you or someone else in self-defense. Dogs may bite their owners if they are stressed or in pain.^{[5]
  X
  Research source}
5
Note any redness or swelling. Redness and swelling can also indicate a broken bone.^{[6]
X
Research source} If you notice that an area of your dog’s body is swollen or that the skin appears red and/or feels hot to the touch, then this may indicate that he has an infection. This could be due to a broken bone beneath your dog’s skin.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Getting Veterinary Care for Your Dog

1
Take your dog to a veterinarian right away. If you suspect that your dog has a broken bone, then you will need to take him to see a veterinarian right away. Do not attempt to reset your dog’s broken bone by yourself and do not apply any antiseptics or other medicines to your dog’s broken bone.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- Try to keep your dog from moving around too much as you transport him to the veterinarian. You may want to place a blanket over him as well to keep him warm and help to prevent him from going into shock.
2
Allow your dog’s veterinarian to perform a physical exam. Your veterinarian will ask you some questions about your dog’s symptoms and check your dog for physical signs of a broken bone. During the exam, your dog will most likely need to be muzzled to prevent him from trying to bite the veterinarian and veterinary technicians in self-defense.^{[8]
X
Research source}
3
Ask about x-rays. If your dog’s veterinarian suspects that your dog has a broken bone, then x-rays will be necessary. X-rays can help the veterinarian to see if there really is a break, what type of break it is, and where the break is located. Your dog will be sedated for x-rays to help keep him still and reduce his pain.
- Fractures are classified as either complete or incomplete. A complete fracture is where the bone is separated in one or more places and an incomplete fracture is where the bone is bent and not fully separated.^{[9]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  American College of Veterinary Surgeons
  Trade organization responsible for setting standards of surgical excellence for the field of veterinary medicine and promoting safe practices for equine care.
  Go to source}
4
Determine if a cast is needed. If your dog has broken a leg, then a cast will be necessary to immobilize the broken bone and ensure that your dog’s limb heals properly. If a fracture is above your dog’s knee or elbow, then pins and metal plates may also be necessary to ensure proper healing.^{[10]
X
Research source}

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Caring for Your Dog

1
Give your dog medications as directed. Your veterinarian may prescribe some medications for your dog, such as painkillers and antibiotics. It is important to administer these medications for as long as your dog’s veterinarian says to do so. Do not stop your dog’s medication without asking your dog’s veterinarian first.
2
Limit your dog’s movement until he has healed. You may need to prevent your dog from moving around after he has been treated for a broken bone. One way to do this is to use a crate. You can use a crate to encourage your dog to rest for up to six weeks.^{[11]
X
Research source} If you have never used a crate with your dog before, then you will need to make sure that you:
- Get a crate that is large enough for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lay down in.
- Place some comfortable bedding in the crate, such as a couple of folded blankets or a dog bed.
- Do not leave your dog in the crate for more than a few hours at a time. You will need to let him out to go to the bathroom and to eat and drink as well.
- Never use a crate as punishment. Your dog should want to spend time in his crate, not fear it.^{[12]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  The Humane Society of the United States
  National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare
  Go to source}
3
Find out how long it will take for your dog to heal. Make sure that you ask your veterinarian about how much time your dog will need before he can return to his normal activities. Your dog’s healing time will depend on the severity and type of break as well as your dog’s age.^{[13]
X
Research source}
- For example, if you have a puppy, then he may fully recover in about one month. If you have an older dog, it can take much longer.

Warnings

Do not attempt to treat your dog’s broken bone on your own. A dog with a broken bone requires proper veterinary care. If left untreated, a broken bone can cause an infection that could kill your dog.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
In some cases, amputation of one or more limb may be necessary. Be prepared for this possibility.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0