Fractures

Orthopedic referral is not always feasible or even necessary. There are many opportunities to practice your orthopedic skills in general practice. Explore this resource to learn more about managing fractures in dogs and cats.

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Alert young terrier missing right forelimb standing outside on wood boards.
Clinical SkillsSurgery, Soft Tissue

These 9 steps demonstrate a thoracic limb amputation procedure that does not require bone cutting and carries low risk for pressure necrosis.

A Welsh corgi peeking from around a corner.
Clinical SkillsOrthopedics

Pelvic fractures can have a good prognosis with treatment. Discover how to diagnose these fractures and select the best treatment for your patients.

Close-up of dog’s head in dorsal recumbency with pharyngostomy tube and interdental wiring in place.
Clinical SkillsEmergency Medicine & Critical Care

Trauma from motor vehicles, bites, or falls can result in maxillary and mandibular fractures. Review common causes, diagnostic methods, and treatment options for jaw fractures.

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Clinician's Brief Podcast

Lateral skull x-ray of dog with endotracheal tube in place and radiopaque cerclage wire around base of mandibular canines.
Clinical SkillsDentistry & Periodontology

Although not common, this podcast reviews the situations typically associated with jaw fractures, explains why jaw fractures are challenging for clients to notice and veterinarians to diagnose, and discusses treatment options and postoperative care.

A gloved hand holds a scalpel, poised above the skin of a patient during a surgical procedure. The setting includes a blue surgical drape, indicating a sterile environment, with the focus on the precise incision being made.
Clinical SkillsOrthopedics

This video demonstrates surgical guidance, techniques, and important anatomic landmarks for performing a femoral head osteotomy.

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Clinical SkillsOrthopedics

Delayed union and nonunion of fractures are serious complications of bone healing. A recent retrospective study looked at 442 dogs with appendicular, vertebral, and mandibular fractures to identify risk factors for poor healing.

A tabby cat wearing a protective Elizabethan collar rests its head on the floor, appearing calm and slightly drowsy. The setting features a clean, tiled surface, suggesting a veterinary clinic or home recovery environment.
Clinical SkillsOrthopedics

Pelvic fractures are common in feline patients. Discover what this study found when examining pelvic fracture types, concurrent injuries, and outcomes.

Two rabbits, one brown and one gray-and-white, are sitting closely together on green grass inside a wire enclosure. The background features wooden fencing, suggesting an outdoor setting suitable for small animals.
Clinical SkillsExotic Animal Medicine

Bone fractures in rabbits are relatively common, and managing them can be challenging. Use the right approach when handling these fragile patients.

A close-up of a relaxed tabby cat lying on a soft surface, with its body stretched out and eyes half-closed, suggesting a calm and comfortable state. The warm lighting highlights the cat's fur texture and the peaceful environment.
Clinical SkillsOrthopedics

External fixators are helpful in correcting certain feline fractures but are not without complications. One study evaluated the most common issues surrounding this method of treatment.

Gloved hands holding bandaged forelimb of dog in lateral recumbency.
Clinical SkillsOrthopedics

To prevent soft tissue complications, splints must be applied with careful attention to detail and technique. Improve your outcomes with expert tips and advice from a board-certified surgeon in this step-by-step guide.

A young Labrador Retriever puppy lies on a veterinary examination table, looking directly at the camera with a calm expression. The puppy is wearing an orange harness, and the setting suggests a clinical environment focused on animal care.
Clinical SkillsAnesthesiology & Pain Management

A multimodal approach to analgesia provided optimal pain management for a dog with a femoral fracture. Explore a variety of techniques to help keep your patients comfortable.

Gloved hands preparing to insert needle into shaved skin of a dog.
Clinical SkillsEmergency Medicine & Critical Care

Follow this step-by-step guide to provide safe and effective local analgesia to patients with rib fractures.

A small dog stands on a blue balance ball, wearing a blue harness, while a veterinary technician gently supports it with one hand. The setting is a veterinary clinic, with equipment visible in the background, indicating a focus on physical rehabilitation.
Clinical SkillsOrthopedics

There are many physical rehabilitation exercises that help restore function and prevent reinjury. Which therapy should you use and when?