Bone surgery and fracture treatment for dogs, cats and NACs

Fractures differ from one another in their origin, appearance, severity and the absolute or relative urgency of their treatment. Fractures are often caused by trauma that may also affect other organs of the animal. The management of fractures therefore always begins with an overall assessment of the patient, in order to prioritize the lesions in terms of severity.

Only open fractures, joint fractures, epiphyseal disjunctions or vertebral fractures should be treated as a matter of urgency, otherwise more serious sequelae may result.

For other types of fracture, the animal’s condition can be stabilized by immobilization of the limb, appropriate pain management and rest in a confined space. The fracture(s) can then be treated at a later stage, once the animal’s condition has improved.

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How are most fractures treated?

The vast majority of fractures are treated surgically. In rare cases, in young animals with “green wood” fractures, slight displacements or incomplete fractures, a splint may be used until healing. In other cases, the fracture must be surgically reduced and stabilized using implants such as metal hoops, screw plates, pins or a combination of several of these.

They are intended to restore the length and correct alignment of the damaged bone to allow it to heal.

What are the risks associated with this procedure?

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks involved. First and foremost, there are those associated with anesthesia, which is why your pet’s condition is systematically assessed before it is put to sleep. Animals with polytrauma are first stabilized before any operation, to limit the risk of complications.

As with any surgery, there is a risk of infection, especially in animals that have undergone significant trauma. It is important to report any dermatological problems at the time of the appointment. Post-operative care: check-ups, administration of medication and rest are essential to the success of surgery.

Finally, there are also risks of complications during the healing process. These are often the result of not resting the operated limb and over-straining it.

What is the procedure like at the Agoravet clinic?

Your pet is admitted the day before or on the day of surgery. Depending on its condition, and particularly in the case of simple fractures, it will be returned to you on the same day. It is therefore advisable to prepare his return in good time, so as to be able to respect the post-operative rest instructions. For polytraumatized animals, a longer hospital stay may be required.

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What are the instructions for resting after this procedure?

It is important to keep your pet at rest after orthopedic surgery. Jumping, running, playing and stair climbing are forbidden, as is wandering around unsupervised. Dogs may go out, but only on a short leash and for as long as it takes them to relieve themselves. Cats and rabbits remain confined to their homes. The most agitated animals (small dogs, cats, rabbits) can be kept in a playpen to limit their movements. Resumption of activity is possible after agreement with the surgeon.

Should surgical implants be removed after healing?

It is preferable to remove pins, screws and plates after bone consolidation. Depending on your pet’s age, implant location and state of health, it may in some cases be decided to leave them in place. Removal of implants, when indicated, is usually carried out within 4 to 6 months of surgery.