Breaks / Fractures

What Are breaks or fractures?

A traumatic event or impact is the primary cause for a broken bone, however certain diseases including cancer can be a cause. The most frequent bones to be fractured or broken are the femur, pelvis, skull, jaw and spine. Fractures can be quite obvious, particularly if the bone penetrates the skin and can be seen. Any signs of pain or discomfort after an accident has happened could be due to a break or a dislocation. There are 2 types of fracture, open fracture and closed fracture.

classifications and types of fracture?

There are 2 different types of fracture:

  • Open fractures (compound fractures) - this is where the wound exposes the bone, which is often contaminated by dirt or bacteria and a high risk of infection. 

  • Closed fracture - this is a fracture that is not visible from the outside

There are also different classifications of fractures:

  • Incomplete - this is more like a bend in the bone, the bone may only be broken partway around the circumference of the bone (most common in young dogs)

  • Complete - the bone is broken through its full circumference and two or more bone fragments are created.

Complete fractures can be further classified by the shape of the break:

  • Oblique - the break is at a diagonal across the bone, creating two bone fragments with sharp points

  • Comminuted - the break is in three or more pieces in varying shape 

what are the causes of breaks/fractures?

  • Traffic accidents

  • Falls

  • Impact from things such as cars

  • Sporting injuries

  • Dogs being accidentally stepped on

  • Osteoporosis and other diseases that affect the bone

  • Bone cancer 

what are the symptoms:

  • Severe lameness in the affected limb

  • Holding up of the affected limb off of the ground

  • Inability to weight bear as this will cause pain

  • Swelling, pain or abnormal movement of the limb

  • Bleeding at the skin if an open fracture occurs

  • Bleeding inside the limb if closed fracture occurs

  • Whimpering or aggression if the dog is in pain

  • Bruising in the affected area

  • Resistance for the area to be touched

how can massage help?

Massage can only be carried out once the healing process has taken place. Massage:

  • Helps reduce the swelling and inflammation 

  • Helps give relief from pain by helping to release endorphins

  • Helps to increase the healing process

  • Helps to strengthen the affected limb

  • Helps relieve areas of overcompensation

  • Helps to reduce scar tissue

  • Helps to increase mobility and flexibility

  • Helps to increase range of motion

  • Helps to improve posture and gait

  • Helps to reduce stress levels in the animal

Contraindications (reasons to not massage or to alter the massage) to be aware of - if your dog is showing any signs of the following then please let me know and then we can discuss a treatment schedule to work around or outside of the particular issue.

Specific to :

  • Swelling and inflammation

  • Fever

  • Bruising

  • The fracture or the break of the bone

  • Open wounds

  • Infections in the affected area

  • Sprains or strains

General contraindications:

  • High blood pressure

  • Diabetes

  • Cardio-vascular conditions

  • Broken bones

  • Bruises

  • Pregnancy

  • Epilepsy

  • The severity of the condition

  • The level of inflammation in the area (heat therapy should be avoided if inflammation present)

  • Skin irritations such as eczema