What to Do if Your Pet Has Suffered a Serious Injury

As a pet owner, of course you never want to see your furry friend in pain. Unfortunately, accidents happen, and even the seemingly healthiest of pets can be affected by medical conditions. Sometimes, however, it's not obvious when an animal is in pain — which is why it's so important for pet owners to be vigilant and familiar of their pets' typical behaviors. One of the most common types of injuries in pets is that of orthopedic problems, which can affect the bones, joints, tendons, and muscles.

Common Orthopedic Pet Injuries

There are several orthopedic pet injuries that are quite common and may require treatment from an animal hospital, particularly in house pets such as dogs and cats. These include:

• cruciate ruptures
• patellar luxation
• bone fractures

Cruciate ruptures refer to ruptured ligaments, which can be very painful for any animal. Common symptoms of cruciate ruptures in pets include sudden lack of playfulness or lower activity levels, along with holding the affected leg/paw off the ground. In some cases, there may also be swelling around the affected joint.

Patellar luxation, also known as displacement of the kneecap, is another common orthopedic injury in house pets, particularly in smaller dog breeds. Signs of patellar luxation include limping, swelling around the knee, and holding the affected paw or leg off the ground. In many cases, orthopedic surgery is required to treat this injury.

Finally, in the case of a bone fracture, most animals will become very withdrawn or may even howl out in pain. In serious cases of bone fractures, the broken bone may even be visible protruding through the skin.

When to Visit Our Veterinarian in Collierville

If your pet is exhibiting any of the above symptoms, it's time to see our Collierville veterinarian as soon as possible, as it's likely that your pet is in serious pain. Here at Collierville Animal Clinic & Surgery Center, we specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic injuries and proudly serve the nearby cities of Germantown, Piperton, and Memphis. In addition to our emergency services, you can also set up an appointment by calling our office at 901-853-8519; we're currently offering a free wellness exam to all of our new patients!

Has your pet ever experienced a medical emergency? How did you handle it? Leave your comments below!