Bone Fractures in Dogs and Cats

At the Veterinary Specialty Center,  we have the most experienced surgical team in the Midwest. This includes treating and managing fractures of all complexities and in all bones. We have the equipment that lends to much versatility when it comes to repairing bone fractures. Our veterinary surgery team is set up to manage fractures Monday through Saturday allowing us to help your cat or dog as soon as possible and get them on their road to recovery. Not to worry if it is after hours, our emergency team can manage these cases until the surgery team is available to take over. 

Not all fractures are the same, some require surgical repair others can heal very well with splinting or casting. Some are more involved and require more time and implants which can change the cost.  We are happy to review x-rays to be able to give a treatment plan and as accurate an estimate as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bone Fractures in Pets

Are pet bone fractures emergencies?

         No, fractures are not emergencies, although we like to be able to repair them as soon as possible because many times it is easier. That being said, many fractures are a result of significant trauma, so we want to be sure the patient is stable prior to repairing fractures.

Do all broken bones in pets require surgery?

         No, some can be treated with casts or splints just like in people, but many do require surgery. We will review the x-rays and determine the best options and discuss them with owners on a case by case basis.

How long is the recovery after a bone fracture?

         Recovery can vary for multiple reasons. It can be as short as 4-6 weeks in very young animals with straight forward fractures or it can take months in dogs that are older or have more complex fractures.

Will my pet need to have their activity restricted?

         Yes, no matter the type of fracture there will be a period of recovery while the bone heals and this will require restricted activity and confinement. The length of this will depend on many factors, but will be explained for your pet’s specific situation.

When will my pet have surgery for their broken bone?

         This depends on what the initial cause of the fracture was in your pet. If significant trauma was involved then the patient needs to be stabilized first. This could mean overnight or it could be a few days. If the break is due to jumping off the couch, then they may have surgery as soon as that day depending on schedule and what other cases are going that day. Regardless, it is important to know that we have your pet’s best interest in mind and will always take that into account to get them treated ASAP and as safely as possible.

How long will my pet be in the hospital?

         They will be with us a minimum of one night following surgery. This could be longer as well depending on how stable your pet is. Again, we treat every case individually and if we feel that it is best for them to stay longer we will let you know and discuss the reasoning behind those recommendations.

What is the cost for bone fracture surgery for a cat or dog?

         Since fractures come in all shapes and sizes and require different types of implants for repair there is no one estimate fits all, but we are happy to review the case and x-rays to determine the most accurate estimate possible.

If you have any questions or need to schedule a consultation, give us a call at (847) 459-7535.