Fractures

Limbs that are held at awkward angles or are dangling, especially if it happens acutely and is associated with a fall or similar trauma, may be broken and/or dislocated. 

Pain management is obviously needed and stabilization of the injury with splint or sling is most often necessary, to prevent damage to nerves, muscles and blood vessels related to the fracture fragments moving around. 

Some fractures are best treated with surgical repairs, including bone plates and screws, bone pins and wire, external fixators and other techniques.  This is especially true in very large and active animals, or in the very old animal. 

Tiny toy breed dogs, because of the paucity of muscle and blood supply, often require bone plate fixation as early as possible to assure suitable outcome.

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