CANINE FIRST AID AND EMERGENCY CARE

By: Dr. Mike Lappin, DVM

FRACTURES

Generally associated with trauma - Must immediately restrict activity - May also involve internal bleeding or other life threatening injuries.

Symptoms:
1. Obvious break with bone exposed => compound or open fracture
2. Non-weight bearing on that limb
3. Swollen limb or area of leg
4. Painful, does not resolve with time
5. Fractures of ribs are usually associated with difficulty breathing

First aid treatment:
1. MUZZLE (only if the dog is NOT having trouble breathing, or vomiting) Fractures are VERY PAINFUL
2. Wrap dog in a blanket or a towel to restrict movement
3. Use newspaper folded to gently support the injured limb
4. Place dog on a board, crate pan or crate bottom (Vari-Kennel) and transport ASAP