What are the symptoms of broken or bruised ribs in a chihuahua?

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question. Poor boy. He should see a vet for it. You need an x-ray done to make sure the rib isn't broken. A broken rib could potentially puncture a lung. In addition, he needs pain medication. Unfortunately there are no human pain medications you can give him, as many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given. Even if the rib isn't broken and rest is all that is needed, he should still get pain medication to make him comfortable. I'd take him into a vet now. I hope this helps!

I am sorry to hear about Chichi. Sometimes bruising is not immediately obvious. If Chichi is acting lethargic, having trouble breathing, is painful, is not eating or having vomiting, then an exam at the vet would be recommended. If she seems completely fine, I would check her gums to ensure they are pink and check her regularly the next few days for new bruises, pale gums, or the appearance of pinpoint red spots on her gums or skin which can be a sign of a bleeding disorder. If anything like this develops she should see the vet as well.

If Paquito is behaving normally I would not be worried. Even though he is small, these young guys are pretty tough. Make sure he is comfortable when you touch the ribs on the side he fell, that his breathing is normal , and that he is as active as he usually is.

If the bruising is accompanied by lethargy, swelling and lameness, then Chomps should be seen by your veterinarian or at the nearest veterinary ER. X-rays may be indicated to diagnose or rule out fractures. A "simple" bruise with no other symptoms may resolve on it's own within a few weeks. Restrict activity to just leash walks for elimination in the meantime.

Hi there! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This can sometimes be seen with dogs when they an abdominal component to their breathing. This can happen from a number of conditions mostly affecting the respiratory system such as congestive heart failure, pneumonia, bronchitis, among other things. There is a chance that it is not something significant though it really requires a thorough physical examination to know more about what Lovebug is doing and what would be the next best diagnostic and treatments options are for her. Good luck! Have a nice evening!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor little Bella! Pain or discomfort on the right side of the chest could be seen with things like a rib fracture or muscle pain in that region. I recommend that you have Bella evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They would be able to check for these possibilities and treat accordingly. At the very least they can start her on pain control medications to try to make her feel better. Good luck!

The rib should hopefully heal over the next number of weeks, and prevent it from puncturing Maverick's lung again. You will likely have to be very careful with him while this is healing, and probably will cage rest him for weeks. The vet can let you know the treatment protocol, but I hope that he heals up!