How to tell if your dog has broken a bone?

I often get asked by dog owners how to tell if their dog has broken a bone.  The honest answer is that, unless the bone is sticking out through the skin, or the limb is at a very peculiar angle, the only way to know for sure that a bone is broken is to have an x-ray.  If your dog has been involved in an accident that you think may have caused them to break a bone, firstly – and most importantly – you’ll need to protect yourself and your dog from any further danger. The next key thing to be aware of is the onset of shock.  If you suspect that your pet has broken a limb, do not try and re-position the limb and only apply a bandage if there is profuse bleeding that you need to control. Move the limb as little as possible. Keep your pet warm, as comfortable as possible and safely transport them to the vet for an x-ray.

Read on to learn what more you might need to know …

Indicators of a broken bone:

Pain – it hurts

Loss of power – it can be hard to move a broken limb

Unnatural movement – the limb may be at an odd angle and have a wider range of movement than it should have

Swelling, bruising or a wound around the fracture site

Deformity- often limbs may be shortened, or the broken area could have lumps and bumps or stepping (with an injured spine it is uneven as you gently feel down their back)

Irregularity – lumps, bumps, depressions, or stretched skin

Crepitus – the grinding sound when the end of bones rub against each other

Tenderness – pain at the site of injury

A fracture is another word for a broken bone – and there are several different types.  Here are the various types of fractures and the recommended course of action for each of them.

Open fractures

Following the accident, if their bone is sticking out through the skin, then it is most definitely broken and you will need to phone the vet for advice as soon as possible. All the while you will need to be aware of the possible onset of shock, as mentioned previously, so be sure to keep your dog as warm and comfortable as possible.

Complicated fractures

With complicated fractures, muscles, nerves, tendons and blood vessels could be trapped and damaged.  You will need to keep your dog calm, warm and as still as possible and phone your nearest vet.  Do not attempt to splint or bandage the injured limb as you could make things worse.

Closed and greenstick fractures

The only sure way to tell if the bone has a closed or greenstick fracture is to get it x-rayed, so once again you will need to contact your vet as soon as you can.  The same guidance about not attempting to splint or bandage it apply with these types of fractures too.

Dislocated bones

A dislocation occurs when the bone is pulled out of position at a joint and it can be accompanied by other tissue damage.

Signs and symptoms

Your dog may have:

• difficulty moving the joint, pain and stiffness
• swelling and bruising around the joint
• They are likely to be asymmetrical, with one joint looking deformed and out of place
• There could be shortening, bending or twisting of the joint

Always go to a Vet to replace a dislocated joint. Never try and put it back yourself as you are likely to cause further damage and trap nerves or blood vessels.

Fingers crossed you’ll never need to use this information, but should you suspect your dog has broken a bone in the future, we hope you’ll now know what to look for.

First Aid for Pets provides this information for guidance and it is not in any way a substitute for veterinary advice. The author does not accept any liability or responsibility for any inaccuracies or for any mistreatment or misdiagnosis of any person or animal, however caused. It is strongly advised that you attend a practical First Aid for Pets course or take our online course to understand what to do in a medical emergency.