Dog Bone Fractures

In many cases there are bones, joint or muscle fractures in dogs. And in all cases, before moving the animal, you should always look for signs of fracture, luxations, sprains, tears and/or competitions. First aid, in these cases, is the immobilization of the fractured area with ferules (small wooden boards) in such a way that the extremes of the broken bones do not move out of place and cause greater damage to the nerves, blood vessels or vital organs. You also use ferules to immobilize very injured joints or muscles and to impede the worsening of big wounds. These boards can be made with almost any hard element. They should be long enough to hold the complete injured member and wide enough so that the bandaging that will be applied doesn't cause pressure on the injured area. There should be enough cushioning on the sides that come in contact with the body. For this purpose you can use bandages, cloths, cotton, etc., which shouldn't touch the wounds or put pressure, under no circumstance, on the fracture.

Direct observations for the injured animal: If the dog can not move the fingers easily, or his back and shoulders look numb, it's very probable that he has a neck fracture. If he can not move the lower members, head or back, it could be a fracture of the vertebrae. The spinal cord goes down the spinal column and any movement can break it and cause paralysis. In all cases when you do not observe an open fracture, and the animal is behaving strange, cannot stand up or move, always think that he may have an internal fracture that is beyond your observation. Never try to move or carry the animal without taking the necessary measures. Being on the floor, it you must transfer him, don't just lift him up, instead, try to carefully slide a board under him and, from there, transfer him as if he were on a stretcher. No part of the body should remain hanging off the board. When you place the board on the injured part, never try to put the bones into place. Never try to align or straighten a main member with pressure. If the fractured bone is exposed to hemorrhage, stop the hemorrhage; however, do not try to put the bone in his place. Don't try to clean the wound or extract of strange object if you have the certainty that the vet is on his way and will take charge. Once the hemorrhage has stopped, sponge it softly so as not to put too much pressure on it, cover the wound with sterilized gauze. These fractures can infect and tetanus can come as a result. If the fracture is exposed, and if possible, straighten the member softly, without applying too much pressure, and place 3 splinters. One on each side and one under, well cushioned and bandage it without putting too much pressure on the exposed bone. Simple fractures must be treated the same way, as well as fractures of the jaw, tail, etc. is the animal presents the state of shock, pay attention to a state but take into consideration that the dog can't move much. But the most important and urgent thing is for the animal to be attended by a veterinarian. You mustn't waste time under any circumstance.