How to Spot a Dog Bone Injury

How to Spot a Dog Bone Injury

Table of Contents

As a dog owner, you want your furry friend to stay healthy and happy. That’s why it’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of a dog bone injury. While it can be difficult to diagnose a dog bone injury on your own, there are some things you can look for that could indicate something is wrong with your pup. Read on to learn more about how to spot a dog bone injury, so that you can get help for your pup as soon as possible.

What Causes Dog Bone Injury?

Dog bone injury can be caused by many different things, such as trauma from being hit by a car or falling off furniture, or even just too much running and jumping around. Oftentimes, these types of injuries are caused by overexertion or an accident that happens during playtime. For older dogs, arthritis can also cause bone injuries due to weakened bones and joints.

How Do You Diagnose A Dog’s Bone Injury?

If your pup is experiencing pain while running or walking, it may have an injured bone or joint. If they’re limping or favoring one side of their body over the other, this could also be an indication of an injury. If you notice any swelling around their joints or if they seem to be having trouble getting comfortable when resting, those are all signs of potential bone problems. Your pup may also start licking its paws excessively if they have an injury—this is usually the body’s way of trying to heal itself through increased blood flow and warmth from saliva.

It’s important to note that these same signs can point toward other health problems besides just bone injuries, so if any of these symptoms are present you should take them to the vet for proper diagnosis and treatment!

A woman carrying a dog

Signs of Trauma

The most obvious sign of trauma is pain—and you may notice your dog being more sensitive than usual if they have hurt their bones. They could also limp or have difficulty moving around, which is a clear indicator that something is wrong. If your pup isn’t using one of its legs, then it’s likely that something has caused it a dog bone injury. It could be anything from a fracture to a dislocation, but either way, it needs veterinary attention right away.

Muscle Atrophy

Muscle atrophy is another sign that your pup might have dog bone injury—and it often goes hand-in-hand with limping or lack of mobility. You may notice that the leg muscles near the injured area begin to shrink and become weaker over time due to disuse if the injury isn’t treated promptly. This can cause further discomfort and impede recovery if left unaddressed, so make sure you keep an eye out for any changes in muscle size or function in your pup’s injured area.

Swelling and Bruising

Swelling and bruising are two other signs that point toward bone injuries in dogs—especially if accompanied by heat radiating from the affected area. If these symptoms arise, then it’s likely that there has been some kind of trauma done to the bones in question, such as fractures or sprains. Make sure to take notes on any swelling or bruising you see and give them to your vet; this will help them narrow down the source of the problem more quickly and get your dog back up on four paws sooner!

Imaging Tests 

If you suspect that your pup has suffered a dog bone injury, it is important to get them checked out by a vet as soon as possible. Your vet may recommend imaging tests such as x-rays or CT scans to identify the extent of the damage. These tests will reveal if there are any fractures or other damage that needs attention. It is also important for your vet to determine if there has been any nerve or soft tissue damage associated with the injury. 

A dog resting

Treatment Options 

Once the extent of the injury has been determined, your vet will discuss treatment options with you. Depending on the severity of the injury, treatment could range from rest and ice therapy to surgery and physical therapy. If surgery is required, it is important to make sure that you follow all post-operative instructions carefully for your pup’s recovery process to go smoothly. 

Spotting a dog bone injury isn’t always easy since there aren’t usually visible signs that something is wrong with our furry friends but there are certain behaviors we should look out for such as limping, excessive licking, and difficulty getting comfortable when resting which may indicate something is wrong with their bones or joints. If any of these symptoms become apparent then make sure you take your pup in for a checkup right away! With proper care and treatment, most dog bone injury will heal quickly allowing your pup back onto the road (or couch) towards good health!

Understanding the Warning Signs of a Possible Broken Bone in Dogs

When you’re the proud parent of an active pup, it’s important to know the warning signs that your dog may have broken a bone. Thankfully, there are several tell-tale signs you can look out for that could indicate there’s a problem. Being aware of these signs and knowing when to take your pup to the vet is essential for their health and well-being. 

Sudden lameness or limping:

One of the most common signs of a possible dog bone injury is sudden lameness or limping. If your pet has been running around as normal one day and then suddenly shows signs of lameness or limping the next day, it could be due to an injury they sustained—including a possible broken bone. It’s important to check with your vet if this is the case as further investigation may be necessary. 

A woman holding a dog

Painful reactions when touched:

Touching certain areas of your dog’s body can cause them pain if they have broken a bone. Some areas may even trigger swelling or bruising if touched, which might mean that there was an injury that led to a break in their bone. If you notice any tenderness or discomfort when touching specific parts of their body, then make sure you seek medical attention for them right away as this could be indicative of a fracture or other serious issue. 

Unusual movement patterns:

If you notice your pet has difficulty walking or has adopted an unusual movement pattern—such as hopping on three legs instead of four—there’s a chance they might have suffered dog bone injury. Dogs who experience pain from fractured bones often move differently than usual and should be taken to the vet immediately for diagnosis and treatment. 

It’s never easy seeing our four-legged friends suffer a dog bone injury or any other injury, and being able to identify potential warning signs early is key in helping keep them healthy and happy throughout life! All dog owners should familiarize themselves with the symptoms so they can act quickly if needed — as catching any issues early can make all the difference! Keep an eye out for any changes in behavior, including sudden lameness, painful reactions when touched, and unusual movement patterns; all three could be indicative of a possible fracture and should warrant further investigation by your veterinarian. With some quick action, you’ll help ensure that both you and your pup enjoy many happy years together!

Save up to 33% with Bundle Deals -  Shop Now