FRACTURE REPAIR
MY PET HAS A BROKEN BONE AND SURGERY WAS RECOMMENDED. IS THAT REALLY THE BEST OPTION?
When a bone is broken, it must be stabilized to prevent the pieces from moving. Effective stabilization allows for optimal healing and leg function. There are multiple forces that act on the bone when your pet is walking. Surgical stabilization of fractures can help the bone resist these forces during the healing stages better than the use of a cast or splint. Many factors are considered before deciding on the best type of fracture repair. The team at VOMC will help guide you and provide the best recommendation based on the type of fracture as well as your pet’s age and lifestyle.
HOW WILL MY PET’S FRACTURE BE REPAIRED?
The VOMC surgical team has extensive experience with a number of different techniques used to surgically repair fractures. The procedures and implants that are utilized are quite sophisticated are often the same techniques used to repair fractures in people. Fractures can be repaired with either internal fixation (i.e. bone plate & screws), external fixation (external fixator), or a combination of the two. The VOMC surgical team will provide you with different options for repairing your pet’s fracture and will help guide you as to the best method of repair based on the location and type of fracture as well as your pet’s age and lifestyle.
HOW SOON CAN I TAKE MY PET HOME AFTER SURGERY? DO I NEED TO PREPARE MY HOME?
Many pets are able to go home the day of surgery or the day following surgery. Home care after surgery is an important part in maximizing your pet’s long-term recovery. Your pet’s activity will need to be on-leash when outside and confined to a small area inside for at least 8 weeks after surgery. Stairs, slippery surfaces and interactions with other dogs should also be avoided. Most pets will feel better and start to put weight on the operated leg as soon as 2 weeks after surgery, so it is important they are not allowed to over-use and potentially re-injure the limb. Uncontrolled or excessive activity during the early stages of healing can lead to implant failure, re-fracturing of the bone, and secondary injuries. After the initial period of restriction, you will be instructed on how to slowly increase activity.
We understand that even the best patients are not always fully cooperative with exercise restriction, and it can seem like an impossible undertaking. The team at VOMC will help guide you during this period. It is important to remember that a few weeks/months truly is a short time compared to your dog’s total lifetime. Perseverance and patience during the post-operative period eventually lead to a great outcome in most patients.
HOW OFTEN WILL MY PET NEED TO BE RECHECKED AFTER SURERY?
The frequency of post-surgical rechecks will depend on the type of fracture repair used. In some cases, a bandage will be applied which will need to be checked and/or changed regularly. The aftercare required for your pets’ procedure will be reviewed and explained to you prior to and after surgery.
WHAT ARE POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS FROM FRACTURES AND/OR SURGERY?
Infection, implant failure, and slow or poor bone healing are all possible complications from fractures and surgery. If a complication related to the repair occurs, a revision surgery may be required.
WILL MY PET NEED REHABILITATION THERAPY AFTER SURGERY?
There is much evidence that therapy guided by a rehabilitation-trained veterinarian can speed recovery and improve long-term outcomes. Rehabilitation therapy plans are individualized for each patient but typically include LASER treatments to decrease inflammation and assist healing, passive range of motion exercises to restore joint movement, and therapeutic exercise and underwater treadmill sessions to promote weight bearing, muscle strengthening and balance.
WILL IT BE POSSIBLE TO RESTRICT MY PET’S ACTIVITY?
We understand that our pets are not always willing to “take it easy” and post-operative exercise restriction can seem like an impossible goal. However, disaster can happen if the bone is over-used or stressed too soon. The team at VOMC will help guide you during this period of time. It is important to remember that a few weeks/months truly is a short time compared to your dog’s total lifetime. With normal healing, the bone can and will return to almost normal strength and shape and in most cases, your pet will be able to return to the regular activities they enjoy.