Dog Fracture Repair in Fairlawn, OH
Broken Bone Surgery for Dogs and Cats
If your dog suddenly refuses to put weight on a leg or cries out after an injury, a fracture may be the cause. Broken bones can happen from falls, accidents, or trauma such as being hit by a car. Prompt evaluation is important to prevent further damage and reduce pain.
At Copley Fairlawn Veterinary Clinic, we evaluate suspected fractures carefully and discuss treatment options clearly. When surgery is necessary, we guide you through the procedure and recovery process so you understand what to expect.
We provide dog fracture repair and broken bone surgery for families in Fairlawn, Copley, and the surrounding Akron area.
What Is a Fracture?
A fracture is a break in the bone. Some fractures are simple and involve a clean break. Others are more complex and may include multiple fragments or open wounds.
Common signs of a broken bone include:
- Sudden limping or inability to bear weight
- Swelling around the injured area
- Visible deformity
- Crying or signs of pain when touched
- Reluctance to move
If you suspect a fracture, we recommend limiting movement and seeking veterinary care as soon as possible.
How We Diagnose Broken Bones
A physical examination is the first step. We evaluate pain, stability, and overall condition. Radiographs are typically necessary to confirm the fracture and determine its type and location.
We may also recommend bloodwork, especially if surgery is anticipated, to evaluate organ function and anesthesia safety.
Once we review imaging results, we explain whether surgical repair or another treatment approach is appropriate.
Abdominal Exploratory Surgery
If your pet is vomiting, experiencing abdominal pain, or may have swallowed a foreign object, exploratory surgery allows us to identify and treat problems such as intestinal obstruction, foreign bodies, or abdominal masses. In some cases, biopsies are taken to better understand chronic digestive issues.
When Is Surgery Needed for a Broken Bone?
Not all fractures require surgery. Minor fractures in certain locations may be managed with splinting or external support.
Surgery is often recommended when:
- The fracture is displaced
- The bone is unstable
- Multiple fragments are present
- The joint is involved
- The fracture is open
Our goal is to restore proper alignment and stability so the bone can heal correctly.
What Happens During Dog Fracture Repair Surgery?
Fracture repair surgery stabilizes the bone using specialized techniques. Depending on the fracture, this may involve plates, screws, pins, or other stabilization methods.
Before surgery, we perform a thorough exam and confirm imaging findings. During the procedure, we monitor heart rate, oxygen levels, blood pressure, and temperature continuously.
Pain management begins before surgery and continues throughout recovery.
Most dogs remain hospitalized briefly after surgery to ensure comfort and stability before returning home.
Recovery After Broken Bone Surgery
Healing from fracture repair takes time and patience. Activity restriction is critical to allow proper bone healing.
Recovery typically includes:
- Strict limitation of movement
- Crate rest or confined activity
- Controlled leash walks only
- Follow-up radiographs to monitor healing
The length of recovery depends on the fracture type and location. Many fractures require several weeks of restricted activity.
We provide detailed discharge instructions and remain available to address concerns during recovery.
What Happens If a Fracture Is Not Treated?
Untreated fractures can heal improperly or not at all. This may result in chronic pain, deformity, reduced mobility, or long-term joint damage.
Prompt evaluation and appropriate stabilization improve the likelihood of proper healing and restored function.
Is Fracture Surgery Safe?
All surgical procedures carry some level of risk. We reduce risk by performing pre-surgical evaluations, recommending bloodwork when appropriate, and closely monitoring anesthesia.
If your pet has other medical concerns, we discuss how they may influence surgical planning.
Our goal is to support both safety and comfort throughout the process.
Why Families in Fairlawn Choose Us for Fracture Repair
Choosing surgery for a broken bone can feel stressful. Families in Fairlawn and Copley trust us because we focus on:
- Clear explanation of the injury and options
- Careful anesthesia monitoring
- Structured recovery guidance
- Ongoing follow-up care
Dr. Ashley Staycheff and our team work together to provide individualized surgical care for each patient.
To learn more about other surgical procedures, visit our Advanced Surgery page.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Fracture Repair
How do I know if my dog broke a bone?
Sudden limping, swelling, deformity, or severe pain after trauma are common signs. Radiographs confirm the diagnosis.
How long does it take for a broken bone to heal in dogs?
Healing time varies depending on the fracture type and location. Many fractures require several weeks of restricted activity.
Can a broken bone heal without surgery?
Some minor fractures may heal with splinting or confinement. Many unstable fractures require surgical stabilization for proper alignment.
Is broken bone surgery painful?
We use structured pain management before, during, and after surgery to support comfort.
What are signs of complications after fracture repair?
Contact us if you notice swelling, discharge from the incision, refusal to use the limb, or signs of severe discomfort.
Will my dog walk normally again?
Many dogs regain good mobility when fractures are stabilized properly and recovery instructions are followed
Get Started with Vello
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Introducing Vello
A Better Way to Stay Connected
We’re excited to announce that starting August 4th, our clinic is using Vello, a convenient text messaging app designed to make communication with us easier than ever. With the Vello app, you can easily get appointment reminders, request visits, text our team, and enjoy faster, more convenient service - all from your phone.
We encourage all appointment requests to go through the Vello app beginning August 4th, so you can enjoy a smoother, more connected experience with our team.
Schedule a Fracture Evaluation in Fairlawn
If your dog or cat has suffered an injury and may have a broken bone, we are here to help.
We will evaluate the injury, review imaging, and explain whether fracture repair surgery is recommended.
Schedule a Surgical Consultation
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Different Procedures We Offer
Spay/Neuter
Spaying is the surgical removal of a female dog’s reproductive organs to prevent reproduction. Neutering involves removing both testicles in male dogs to render them infertile.
Exploratory Surgeries and Biopsies
Cytology involves examining cell samples under a microscope to help diagnose tumors, fluid buildup, or issues in organs like the liver or lungs. A biopsy is the surgical removal of tissue for detailed microscopic analysis of suspicious lesions.
TTA/CCL Repairs
A common knee injury in dogs is a tear in the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL), similar to the ACL in humans. This ligament helps stabilize the knee, and when torn, it causes the shin bone to move abnormally, leading to pain, lameness, and joint damage. Over time, this instability can result in osteoarthritis.
MPL Procedures
A luxating patella occurs when the kneecap (patella) slips out of its normal position in the groove at the end of the thighbone. This condition causes instability in the knee joint and can lead to discomfort or difficulty walking.
Amputation Services
Amputation is a surgical procedure to remove a pet’s limb, often due to cancer, severe injury, infection, or chronic pain. Forelimb amputations usually involve removing the entire limb, while hindlimb amputations are done at the hip or upper thigh. In some cases, modifications may be made to allow for a prosthetic limb.
Fracture Repairs
In many cases, surgical stabilization is recommended for treating fractures in pets. Unlike humans, dogs and cats often fracture major bones like the femur or humerus, which can't be easily treated with splints or casts.
Mass Removals
Finding a lump under your pet’s skin can be alarming and should be checked by a vet. Many are harmless lipomas (fatty tumors), but some may involve mast cells, which are part of the immune system. Proper diagnosis is important to determine if the lump is benign or cancerous.
Splenectomy
The spleen is a tongue-shaped organ located below the stomach with a texture similar to the liver. While dogs can live without it, the spleen plays a supportive role in overall health.
Cystotomy
Bladder stones are mineral formations that develop in the urinary bladder, ranging in size from tiny grains to larger rocks. They often result from bladder disease or inflammation and can appear as a single stone or a mix of various sizes.
Perineal Urethrostomy (PU)
A perineal urethrostomy (PU) is a surgical procedure for male cats with urinary blockages. It widens the urethral opening to make urination easier and reduce the risk of future obstructions.
C-Sections
A caesarean section (C-section) is a major surgery to deliver puppies, often done in emergencies when natural birth is difficult. Most dogs recover quickly, but if labor was prolonged before surgery, recovery may be slower and require extra care.
