My dog's X-ray shows fractures. What are the next steps for treatment?

That looks like a pretty nasty fracture. My first recommendation would be orthopedic surgery. The surgeon may recommend plates or other devices to get the bone back in alignment so that it can heal. If that is not an option in your area, then amputation would be my next recommendation. Due to the location, a cast or splint will not provide enough stabilization to allow the edges of the bone to knit back together. If the bones can be re-aligned, a hobble can be attempted, but the failure rate is quite high.

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I'm sorry to hear that Muneca is limping. Based off the radiograph, it looks like her fibula, the smaller bone in her lower leg, may be fractured. It is difficult to know for sure without an orthogonal view, but that may be the reason for her limping. I recommend restricting her activity to cage rest and leash walks only, do not let her run or play for at least 4 weeks to allow time for the bone to heal. I recommend having her evaluated by a veterinarian who can perform bloodwork and see if it is safe to prescribe her anti-inflammatory pain medications to help her feel more comfortable. NEVER give human pain medications to dogs as they can be markedly toxic. I hope this is helpful!

I'm wondering if you mean ischial tuberosity, which is part of the pelvis. The answer to your question depends on the severity of the break and Bryant's health status. Being old is not a disease, and many old dogs are able to undergo surgery safely depending on their health status at the time. Only your vet can make the determination for the best treatment for him, which may require surgery or strict cage rest to heal. If he cannot be treated surgically and cage rest won't work, then letting him go humanely might be the best option. I would have Bryant evaluated by a vet to discuss treatment options for him. Best of luck!

Unfortunately the x-rays isn't attached to this question, so I can't fully answer your question. Typically, however, I will agree with the vet's assessment because they are the one who can see Floofer in person and make the best and most accurate assessment. Since a fracture pelvis can heal naturally, a vet will recommend trying that if they feel it's a viable treatment option. In this case, if the vet is recommended surgery, then likely a natural healing is not possible. Leaving it without surgery in this case could cause the pelvis to heal incorrectly, it may not be possible depending on the severity and place of the fracture in the pelvis (certain fractures in the pelvis cannot heal naturally and require surgery), and/or leaving it to heal naturally could cause damage to the nerves affecting his ability to walk correctly. If you'd like me or another expert to see the x-ray, please feel free to post again with the x-ray attached. Otherwise, you can take Floofer to see another vet for a second opinion. I hope this helps!

It’s a little difficult to see the fracture in your picture of the x-ray, but it doesn’t look like the spinal canal is severely affected so if Luna doesn’t have neurologic deficits then cage rest alone may be fine. I would definitely recommend at least consulting with a surgeon however - they would be able to give a better idea about the chances of recovery with surgery vs rest.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sadly that type of fracture should be treated surgically. There is are tendons that attach there and a tension band wire is needed for an avulsion fracture of the olecranon. I would suspect it will not heal. If it has been 3 weeks you should have another X-ray taken to see how it is doing. I wish you the best!

Hello. I am so sorry about Ponpon's injuries. Without seeing an x-ray, I can only surmise that the fractures are to the pelvic bones. It is very difficult to try & surgically repair the fractured pieces & especially in such a young pup, we often just leave them to heal on their own. It usually takes 4-6 weeks for complete healing, but Ponpon may be up & walking sooner. It is important to restrict his activity. He should stay in one area, preferably a large enough crate that gives him the room to stand, turn around & stretch out comfortably. He should only be walked on a leash & use a towel or hip lift support harness to assist him. With time, hopefully he will make a full recovery. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.