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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Drugs & TherapeuticsNew Drugs & Updates

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.

A radiograph displays a right forelimb of a dog with a surgical plate and screws stabilizing a fracture in the radius and ulna. The image clearly shows the alignment of the bones and the hardware used in the orthopedic procedure.
Clinical SkillsOrthopedics

Does your practice have the right tools in place to tackle the fractures that walk through your door? Discover 4 key tool types to help make fracture repair more achievable in general practice.

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Clinical SkillsOrthopedics

Even for seasoned practitioners, managing a patient with a long-bone fracture can be daunting. Explore these 5 tips for handling your next fracture case with confidence.

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Fracture repair may be outside the comfort zone for many practitioners, but it doesn’t have to be. In this quiz, test your knowledge on fracture repair and explore new skills and techniques for managing these situations.

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A veterinarian in blue scrubs gently examines a brown dog wearing an Elizabethan collar in a clinical setting. The dog's expression appears calm and attentive as the vet focuses on its care.
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Fracture repair doesn’t always follow a standard template, especially when patient anatomy or fracture configuration varies. Explore this tool designed to allow for greater intraoperative flexibility and tailored fixation.

A radiograph shows a lateral view of a canine forelimb, highlighting the humerus, radius, and ulna, with clear visibility of the joints and bones. The image reveals a potential fracture in the radius, indicated by a distinct line across the bone structure.
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Radial fractures can be particularly challenging, requiring precise alignment and stabilization to support healing and function. See how you can better address the unique demands of these cases.

A veterinarian in scrubs holds an X-ray up to the light while cradling a small dog with a bandaged paw in her other arm. The background features shelves stocked with medical supplies and medications, indicating a clinical setting.
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From case planning to postoperative care, fracture repair benefits from a well-informed, structured approach. Dive into resources that can help strengthen your clinical decision-making at every stage.

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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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See how Plumb's can answer your treatment FAQs for fractures.

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Drugs & TherapeuticsAnalgesia

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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?