antiinflamatorio perros

Anti-inflammatory drugs, called NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), are the most commonly prescribed pain reliever in dogs , used primarily to treat pain and inflammation in veterinary medicine.

Inflammation, the body’s response to irritation or injury, is characterized by redness, heat, swelling, and pain.

It is important to note that we should NEVER administer them to animals without a prior veterinary prescription, as they can cause serious problems.

Do you want to know what the possible side effects of NSAIDs are?

NSAIDs are effective, but like all medications, they can produce certain side effects that we must assess:

  • Not eating or eating less
  • gastrointestinal ulcer
  • Overdose
  • Yellowing of the gums, skin, or whites of the eyes
  • Skin changes (scabbing, redness, or scratching)
  • Lethargy, depression, behavior changes
  • vomiting
  • Diarrhoea, black stools
  • Change in drinking habits
  • Change in urination
  • Anorexy
  • Gastrointestinal perforation
  • liver toxicity
  • Kidney toxicity, kidney failure
  • Death

It is important to realize that adverse side effects can occur after one dose, many doses, or may never occur. Dogs are individuals, just like humans, and they react uniquely to different medications. If you notice any side effects or problems after starting your dog on NSAIDs, call your vet and be sure to withdraw the medication.

It is also important to keep these medications in a secluded place , where the dog cannot get to them, since unfortunately one of the most common reasons for side effects related to NSAIDs is overdose. Many of the NSAIDs are flavored for ease of administration and this also makes them attractive to pets who may eat them.

How to minimize the risks of NSAID side effects?

The best way to minimize adverse risks is to examine the dog and find out its health status to see if it can take this medication.
Before prescribing NSAIDs, your veterinarian will need to obtain a full health history and perform a complete exam to determine if your dog has any contraindications such as pre-existing conditions or medications that increase the risk of side effects.

Your vet will obtain a blood test to screen for conditions where these medications are best avoided. Kidney, liver or stomach ailments.

We must also take special care NOT to give our dogs medications for humans , as they can suffer from poisoning. We must consider that in animals the dose that we can give is much lower, it is usually 5 mg per kilogram, and from 100 mg gastric ulcers begin to appear.

Should I supervise my dog while taking NSAIDs?

Just as important as detection is monitoring the dog once the medication has been started . Your vet will likely recommend rechecking your dog’s blood and urine regularly. This motorization allows you to ensure that your dog is tolerating the medication without developing adverse effects. All NSAID manufacturers recommend baseline blood tests as well as regular checkups to minimize the chance of serious side effects.

All NSAIDs should be used with caution because they have the potential to cause side effects, especially gastrointestinal bleeding, ulcers, and perforations. They should be taken only when necessary, since doses that are too high or for too long without veterinary control can cause serious problems.

We must find a way to reduce the dog’s pain, so that it does not get worse quickly. The most effective way to control pain with minimal side effects is a combination of several treatments . So we must value all the solutions on the market.

 

 

Improving the muscles of the hind limbs in dogs is an interesting option both in dogs that are being rehabilitated from problems in the hind limbs and in dogs that are initially healthy, but that have weakness in the hind limbs.

The first thing we have to do is evaluate the patient. Observe the muscle mass of the posterior ones, palpate this musculature, look if apart from muscle atrophy there is tension or flaccidity.

If we observe muscle tension it will be convenient to start the rehabilitation by unloading the muscles, with massage, with TENS, with heat … on the other hand, if we observe weakness and flaccidity, we must begin rehabilitation with Electrostimulation or light muscle toning exercises.

Walks is the easiest way to start a rehabilitation, it should always be pain-free, if the dog has pain you should go to the veterinarian and take the necessary pharmacological measures to resolve the situation, a TENS can also be very useful to eliminate pain during walks.

Another important point is the way the dog walks, if it mainly uses the forelimbs to perform its gait this exercise will not bring us practically any improvement in the strength of the posterior ones.

arnes-de-soporte-para-perroIt is important to get the dog to work with the hind legs, this can be achieved by walking on the short leash and indicating to the dog that he must carry weight in the posterior ones, it will be practically impossible if the dog has pain in the hips, knees or some other structure of the posterior third.

Squats (making the dog sit up and get up a few repetitions in a row) is going to be another of the exercises we will use; we must reserve this exercise for when the dog does not have pain in the subsequent ones and his muscle mass is enough to withstand this exercise or failing that we can help ourselves with a harness for later to help lift the dog.

Working in the water with the underwater treadmill is one of the best exercises since they strengthen the muscles protecting the joints. The sloping walks is another of the exercises that we must practice, the inclination of the slope will force more the posterior third and the dog will work more and increase the muscular power of the posterior third. This can be done both on a climb and on a rolling tapestry with inclination.

soporte para perro con displasia de cadera

In the later phases of treatment weights can be used for muscle strengthening in dogs.

There are several solutions that can help us to be able to perform these exercises better, that the dog feels better and can correctly perform these exercises thus increasing the strength in the posterior third such as the knee pads, tarsus supports, hip support, or boots or foot protectors in case of having problems in the plantar area.

Orthocanis technical team.

www.ortocanis.com

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Dogs can have health problems related to their limbs. But they can also have back problems . These problems can be both muscular and bone . And it can be due to various factors. For example, to an illness, whether punctual or chronic. Or to a blow.

They can also be due to the wear and tear of bones and muscles due to age . Indeed, elderly dogs can suffer from degenerative diseases, such as osteoarthritis . Also have more aches and pains than a young dog. This affects your well-being, but also your mobility. And as a consequence, in its general condition.

Support for dogs with back problems

A dog with pain not only moves worse. He is also in a worse mood and sadder. In these cases it is best to consult the veterinarian. Both to find out what is wrong and to recommend the most appropriate treatment. On many occasions it will basically consist of supplying anti-inflammatories and painkillers. Other times a surgical intervention will be necessary. For example, if there is a complicated herniated disc .

In addition to these types of treatments, the well-being of dogs can be helped with protectors and orthopedic supports . For example, a thoraco-lumbar thermal support . With them, in addition to having the back protected, they will receive heat in the affected area. In this way, your injuries will improve.

This support is indicated for dogs of a certain age that suffer from osteoarthritis in the spine. Also for those with instability in the lumbar and thoracic area , or cauda syndrome . Apart from this, it is indicated for conservative treatment in herniated discs . And also for the periods after the operations of this ailment.

In general, it is recommended for dogs that suffer from any type of spine ailment. And for those who have mobility problems in the hind legs .

Colchón Ortopédico para perros

Orthopedic beds and thermal coats

Dogs with back problems should rest well to avoid further pain. Generally, a conventional dog bed will not provide them with the support and support that they need. Therefore, if a dog has spinal injuries or mobility problems it is advisable that they use an orthopedic bed . This is especially advisable if the dog is already old , or if it has osteoarthritis problems.

These types of beds are made in a special way to improve the rest of elderly dogs . Thus, if they rest better, their body will be more rested, and their injuries will soften a little . The same will happen if the dog has osteoarthritis. These beds are manufactured with specific materials and finishes to improve the performance of the animal’s joints.

They are usually made up of a special viscoelastic or foam material , covered with soft fabric with a pleasant touch, so that the dog is comfortable on them. Apart from this, they are usually thicker and firmer than conventional dog beds.

In addition to beds, these dogs also need to be bundled up in winter . Low temperatures can affect your joints and your back . Therefore, it is advisable to put a protective thermal coat on them. This way they will stay warmer and your back will not suffer the consequences of the cold.

 

 

One of the most frequent injuries that dogs usually suffer is the rupture of one of their cruciate ligaments of the knee. As with humans, cruciate ligament rupture in dogs can be partial or total. And if not treated conveniently, the partial can be converted into total in a short time.

When a dog suffers a rupture of one of its cruciate ligaments, its symptoms become evident very quickly. Therefore, when they are detected, it is necessary to go to a veterinarian as soon as possible to treat it properly. But for this you have to know before what are its symptoms and the consequences of not treating these ailments in time.

Cruciate ligament rupture in dogs: symptoms

When a cruciate ligament tear occurs in dogs, the animal suffers almost immediately from walking problems. It is one of the most visible symptoms of what happens. When a dog breaks a cruciate ligament on one of its legs, it begins to limp. In addition, it tries in many cases to keep the affected leg up while moving.

In addition, you may have some stiffness in the limb after a regular activity, such as a walk. And try to move the para to the side when you sit down. It’s likely that you’re down and don’t want to play or run, and prefer to lie down.

ligamento cruzado en perros

Apart from these symptoms, the affected leg may present others that affect its appearance and functions, such as a spill of joint fluid. For example, it can become inflamed. Or, when the dog is walking, clicks are heard in the area of the damaged ligament. Also, when examining it, if the affected knee is touched, it will hurt.

If some of these symptoms are observed, you have to go to the veterinarian, as we have mentioned, to study the dog’s limb. If it is left, in addition to the dog feeling pain, the injury will get worse. Thus, a partial break can degenerate into a total break. Or in osteoarthritis. In fact, it is one of the main causes of knee osteoarthritis in dogs. It can even affect other ligaments of the same leg.

Treatment of cruciate ligament rupture in dogs

One of the treatments that are often used to correct a cruciate ligament tear in dogs is surgery. But it is a fairly complex operation, and in some cases it is convenient to perform some operations before. For example, in case the cruciate ligament tear in dogs leads to a spill of liquid, it should be removed by a puncture.

In addition, the condition of the joint must be examined. To do this, in addition to performing a manipulation of the affected limb, a knee arthroscopy can also be performed on the dog. Often, this technique can be used to treat the injury and rule out others. In any case, if the break is total, it only remains to operate to repair the knee.

Subsequently, the affected joint can be protected by a knee protector or an articulated knee orthosis. This last type of restraint element can also come in handy for dogs that, for any reason, cannot be operated. With them, the animal will feel less pain, and the affected paw will not suffer abnormal displacements due to the injury. In addition to, of course, a treatment with anti-inflammatories and prevent the animal from suffering from being overweight.

 

Hip dysplasia in dogs is one of their most common inherited bone diseases. It is not a congenital disease, and there are also no signs that the animal suffers from it when it is born. It develops as the dog grows, and it is not often that it appears in its first three months of life. It is from the fourth or fifth when it begins to make its appearance.

It is a degenerative condition and is caused by a malformation in the joint that joins the hip and head of the femur. It is usually painful and can cause lameness, as well as problems getting the animal to feel properly. As the disease progresses, the dog will move with more difficulty. It will cost you more and more, for example, to climb stairs. In more severe cases, you will even stop running or even walking.

This disease, more frequent in medium or large breeds, can be enhanced by factors such as overweight. It will also be more accentuated if the affected dog gets a lot of exercise. Fortunately, there are several solutions to correct hip dysplasia in dogs. In general, they will vary depending on the severity of the disease when it is diagnosed.

The most common solutions to hip dysplasia in dogs

As we have mentioned, the treatment of the affected animal should be based on the severity of the dysplasia. There are two types: those that try to prevent the disease from progressing and try not to go any further and surgical. The latter are more radical, and more indicated in severe cases.

soporte para perro con displasia de caderaTreatments of the first type, considered conservative, involve administering specific drugs for the progression of osteoarthritis, called chondroprotectors, to the dog. This treatment is long-lasting, and is designed to slow down its progress. In addition, it can be supplemented with anti-inflammatories, analgesics and with a hip support.

The use of a hip support not only makes the dog affected by the disease less discomfort. You will also have less pain, which makes it possible to lower your dose of anti-inflammatories. To this also contributes the monitoring of the diet of the animal, to prevent it from gaining weight.

In more severe cases, or when the veterinarian decides that it is the most appropriate, it is advisable to opt for a surgical solution

Curative treatments for hip dysplasia in dogs

All treatments aimed at curing hip dysplasia in dogs go through the operating room. Of course, they can also be palliative.

Among the curative ones are the triple osteotomy of the pelvis, which consists of its relocation and the replacement of the hip by a prosthesis. This last procedure is similar to that carried out in humans. But, as we have said, there are also palliatives, such as the substitution by exccession of the head of the femur.

Dogs that suffer a severe case of hip dysplasia and cannot walk, or those that are recovering from an operation, can use a wheelchair created especially for this type of case. These are devices that can be made to measure in a few days, or supports adjustable to the dimensions of the animal.

With them, dogs with this disease will be able not only to move, but to use them as an aid to recover mobility and muscle tone.

Ortocanis Editor Team

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There is talk of patellar dislocation in dogs, when the patella, a small bone located in front of the knee joint and whose correct position is necessary for a good functioning of the animal’s limb, gets out of its place, trochlea, causing functional pain and weakness in the dog.

Within the dislocations, the medial dislocation is the most frequent. It arises in 80% of cases while the lateral only occurs in 20%. Between 30% and 50% of cases are bilateral and more frequent in females than in males, especially small breeds and toys.protector-rodilla-canina-perro articulada

Lateral dislocations can occur in adult small breeds and in large and giant breed puppies.

It is a pathology that is characterized by a poor alignment of the limb, deformations occur during the development of the animal, which cause the patella to come out of its place. It may be due to a congenital disease or, in some cases, caused by trauma.

It is convenient that dogs suffering from this congenital pathology are not used in reproduction since it is transmitted through generations.

There are dogs that have patella luxation due to trauma. In these cases, the dislocation is generally associated with a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament of the knee.

Depending on the clinical signs and later on the radiological results, dislocations can be classified into 4 degrees:

patellar lux_fGrade I – Intermittent patellar dislocation causing limb lameness when out of place. In the dynamic test, every three or four steps they raise their leg by flexing the knee or they take a little jump.

Grade II – Dislocation that occurs more frequently than Grade I. The patella dislocates easily. There is a slight external rotation of the leg. Many dogs live with this grade for years before progressive arthritis manifests as lameness or more serious causes.

Grade III and IV – The patella is permanently dislocated, with very noticeable external rotation of the leg. There is moderate lameness. If it is bilateral, dogs walk with bowed legs, turning the feet inward and bearing weight on the forelimbs. In the most severe cases, it can be confused with hip problems.

In addition, the animal presents pain, crepitus and increased sensitivity in the knee, which leads to it reducing its activity, even refusing to go up and down stairs, the car or the sofa.

Treatment depends on the degree of dislocation and lameness, but in most cases surgical treatment consisting of soft tissue repair, bone reconstruction, or a combination of the two is required. There are infinite techniques and the orthopedic veterinarian chooses the most suitable one(s) in each case.

luxación de rótula

Among the most used techniques we find: Overlay of the medial or lateral retinaculum, overlay of the fascia lata, anti-rotational suture of the patellar and tibial ligaments, desmotomy/capsulectomy, quadriceps release, trochleoplasty (trochlear chondroplasty, sulcoplasty resection, trochlear sulcoplasty), transposition of the tibial tuberosity, patellectomy, osteotomy…

As a novelty, orthoses are being applied for knee dislocation as a means of conservative orthopedic treatment that allows the patella to be kept within the femoral condyles and avoid pain and instability. These orthoses are made to measure and are very useful in cases where surgery has failed, you cannot or do not want to operate for different reasons.

Marta Subirats & Toni Ramon

animal physiotherapists

Ortocanis technical team

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Although it may not seem like it, dogs suffer from many of the ailments that humans experience. From a simple cold to osteoarthritis, through hernias. As in humans, those suffered by dogs can have varying severity. In addition, hernias in dogs can be of four types: inguinal, diaphragm, umbilical and disc.

In any of the four cases, it is very important to diagnose them correctly as soon as possible. In this way, the appropriate treatment can be applied to the animal to relieve its discomfort. To do this, the main thing is to understand what a hernia is, what it implies and the main types of hernias in dogs.

Hernia in dogs: main types

The hernias of dogs, like those of humans, are lumps and bumps product of the exit of tissue from some organ of its usual position. They are quite painful, and are usually noticeable because the animal has a lump where it should not. A lump that is painful to the touch on many occasions.

As we have mentioned, the main types of hernias in dogs are four. Of these, the two most common are umbilical and disc herniations . The first usually occur when the animal is very young, shortly after birth. They usually start when the mother of a puppy incorrectly cuts the umbilical cord that joins him to him. When this happens they do not have a navel left as it happens with humans. But it is noticeable in an area that there has been a union with the mother.

In that area, if a hernia has formed, there will be a lump. Do not try to push it into the animal, because it can be painful. The solution to this hernia, and in general to all, is a surgical intervention to eliminate it.

The second most common type of hernia in dogs is herniated disc. Generally, it has its origin in a fall or a blow, which cause a rupture or inflammation of the intervertebral discs of the dog’s spine . However, in older dogs it may simply be due to the deterioration of the discs.

This hernia, in addition to being very painful, can generate mobility problems for dogs. These will be greater the more advanced and severe the hernia. In many cases, the solution will be surgery, but since it involves certain risks, it is the veterinarian who will have to assess if it is worth it. Meanwhile, you can relieve their pain with painkillers and anti-inflammatories. And in case the hernia is very serious and mobility is impaired, you can help him recover it with an adaptable dog wheelchair .

Inguinal and abdominal hernias in dogs

The other two types of hernia in dogs are less common. But equally painful for the animal. They are inguinal hernias and diaphragm hernias. The first are formed in the inguinal canal, a duct located between the muscles of the abdomen.

These types of hernias, which have the appearance of a mass of tissues, can become quite large. Therefore, as soon as they are detected, it is advisable to eliminate them by surgery, and this will probably be indicated by the veterinarian.

As for hernias of the diaphragm, they can cause serious health problems to the affected dog. This hernia, which is usually internal, often develops into the dog’s body. This is dangerous, as it can displace your organs. And it makes that many times, its symptoms are completely different from those of the rest of hernias.

Among them, the dog may have shortness of breath and irregularity in the heartbeat. Also vomiting or diarrhea if it affects the stomach or intestine. In addition, you may notice strange movements in the dog’s abdomen. This type of hernia is quite serious, and must be intervened as soon as possible to correct it.

termoterapia perros

Thermotherapy for dogs is a technique based on the application of surface heat on the injured area for therapeutic purposes.

Types of thermotherapy according to your scope

  • Surface use of seed bags, microwave gel bags, warm wet towels and infrared lamps. In this way what we get is that the heat is absorbed in a cutaneous way and can reach deeper tissues through conduction.
  • Deep methods, such as ultrasound, shortwave and microwave; These produce biological effects by directly heating the tissues in depth.

Thermotherapy dogs

Main effects of thermotherapy for dogs

  • Repairing, the increase in temperature causes vasodilation and increased blood flow. This produces an increase in oxygen and nutrients to the injured tissue, favoring healing and tissue repair. That is why we should never apply this technique in active hemorrhages.
  • Sedative, heat favors the extension of muscles and tendons while reducing muscle spasm; thus achieving greater extensibility of connective tissue and less joint stiffness.
  • Anti-inflammatory, hyperemia favors vasodilation, increased blood circulation, the supply of oxygen and nutrients and the elimination of metabolites and waste products.
  • Analgesic, stimulation of nerve endings in the skin interferes in blocking painful sensations.

Contraindications of thermotherapy

  • Infections and acute inflammations , in the first 48-72 hours we must avoid this therapy, since in this phase we seek to control vasodilation.
  • Cardiovascular diseases, thrombophlebitis, acute phlebitis or peripheral vascular disease , heat increases blood flow in the area of application and lowers blood pressure, aggravating these pathologies.
  • Sensory deficit , before applying this therapy we must evaluate the thermal and painful sensitivity of the area to be treated, due to the sedative effect of thermotherapy on the nervous system and the risk of burns.
  • Active hemorrhages, heat increases blood flow aggravating this picture.
  • In areas with blood risk deficit , thermal elevation increases metabolic demands, leading to ischemic necrosis.
  • Malignant tumors, as it can increase the rate of tumor growth.
  • Skin lesions or open wounds, the risk of burns and infections makes these pathologies incompatible with therapy.

 

 

by María Jesus García Serrano

@vetliferehabilitacioncanina

Injuries can happen anywhere and at any time. The more active you are, the higher the chances of getting injured.

It is especially true when it comes to dogs. Dogs are naturally active animals and need to run around and get plenty of exercise. Not only running, but they also love to jump indoors and outdoors.

Their nature makes them do this many times without being cautious. It makes dogs more prone to injuries, even as serious as fractures and broken bones.

Using a cast is a popular method of healing an injury such as a fracture. This article explains important facts about using cast for dogs.

What Is Casting

 A cast is a type of hard bandage that wraps around limbs that have been fractured or injured in some form. Dogs are very active animals that run and jump around almost daily. So, they are at high risk of injuring themselves and fracturing their bones

Accidents, falls, and trauma can lead to injuries that require a cast on a dog. Limbs are the most common area that gets fractured in dogs and require casting. 

Sometimes, a cast doesn’t prove to be sufficient for healing. In severe falls, and traumatic accidents, dogs could even break a leg. It could even lead to the requirement of surgery.

Important Facts About Using Cast For Dogs

Casts lie in close contact with the dog’s skin and are a method used to treat external immobilization. It consists of several layers of plaster and padding.

Materials used in a cast include fiberglass, polyurethane-impregnated cotton-polyester, or thermoplastics. 

Some fractures in dogs are generally visible right away. So you can take your dog to the vet for casting.

Other fractures are not as obvious and may be missed for a few days until you see your dog limping. 

A vet needs to examine the injury using an x-ray to determine if a casting is sufficient or if it requires surgery.

Depending on the severity of the break, your vet may require plates or pins to keep the bones in place. Once the plates are in place and immobilized, the bones will heal around the steel parts. Your vet may recommend a cast to keep the bones immobilized.

If your dog’s injury is more severe and requires surgery, the vet might use anesthesia to reset the bones.

Casting Procedure

Casting is done using an aseptic technique, which means the method is designed to prevent microorganism contamination. Therefore, your dog could even be anesthetized, and the affected area may be shaved before the procedure.

Here is the step-by-step procedure followed for casting on a foreleg fracture.

  1. Place the dog in a side-lying (lateral recumbency) position with the injured extremity facing down.
  2. Apply tape to the ventral and dorsal areas of the foot while a stirrup is created. At this point, the dog’s leg should be elevated to provide support while performing the casting procedure.
  3. Sometimes, the application of a stockinette bandage may be required.
  4. Apply several layers of padding to the elevated leg. The padding consists of layers that are wound tightly around the leg. 
  5. Roll out several layers of cast material around the leg, from distal to proximal limb aspects, overlapping itself on each encirclement.
  6. Place wet plaster atop the casting material to get the shape of the leg.
  7. Turn the visible padding at both ends downwards, and tape over the stirrup.
  8. The plaster will take several hours to dry, so the dog may have to stay overnight at the hospital.

Efficacy Of Casting In Dogs

 

Casting done by a professional such as a vet will permanently fix the affected skeleton. Casting effectively treats most fractures in dogs, except for a few serious ones that require surgery.

An injury with a cast will heal 97% of the time without complications.

A vet will try his best to treat injuries by putting on a cast. However, if it’s unable to do so, a vet has no choice but to go for surgery. It’s usually the case when there are severe breaks in multiple locations.

A cast is put on the affected area for full immobilization. A dog needs adequate rest to recover with minimal effect and gain full mobility soon.

Casting Recovery In Dogs

 

Your dog might have to stay overnight at the hospital after the initial cast setting based on the vet’s recommendation. 

You must take good care of your dog when recovering at home. Your dog needs to rest and not put too much weight and pressure on the affected limbs.

The vet will provide drug therapy consisting of pain medications to give your dog while recovering at home. Antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs may also be prescribed in case of secondary damage like swelling or infection due to injury.

At-home care accounts for about 50% of the recovery. Depending on the location and severity of the injury, it could take anywhere between five to twelve weeks for a full recovery.

You may have to take your dog to check and change the outer bandages during recovery. Your vet will inspect the injury to see if it’s healing well.

Your vet needs to recheck your dog’s injury after recovery with additional x-rays to ensure that it has completely healed. 

Casting Cost

 

The casting cost depends on factors such as the injury’s type, severity, and location. It also varies based on whether there is emergency care or specialized surgical care.

A simple cast would cost under $400. However, if the injury involves surgery, it could cost several thousand dollars.

The national average of casting varies between $1000 and $5000. It depends on the specialization of the vet and follow-up care procedures.

Going to the vet may cost approximately $50 per visit. X-rays and tests will cost between $50 – $200 per visit. In addition, medication and other follow-up care requirements will cost upto $100.

Casting Considerations

 

Once casting is done, your dog’s recovery depends on how well you take care of it. You need to give it the medication as advised by the vet.

The risk of using a cast is higher at home than at the vet. Because your dog will be spending more time recovering at home, your care is of utmost importance.

While at the vet, you need to consider his advice regarding alternatives to surgery, like using steel pins or plates. However, surgery may sometimes be unavoidable, so you’ll have to go with what your vet recommends.

There is also a method that does bone reset using a bandage cast. You can discuss all of these alternatives in detail with your vet.

Once the procedure is done, you must take good care of your dog at home. Improper care can pose a risk in the following ways.

  • Infection
  • Loss of circulation
  • Necrotic tissues
  • Delayed healing time

If everything is fine, your dog should heal well within several weeks with minimal aches and pains in the affected area.

How To Take Care Of A Dog In A Cast

Taking good care of your dog is essential during recovery. An essential fact to note is never to let a cast or bandage get wet. A cast could get wet from water bowls, wet grass, urine, and saliva.

A wet cast could cause problems when bacteria begin to multiply on it. You can cover it with a plastic bag to prevent it from getting wet when your dog goes out. However, don’t keep it for longer than 30 minutes.

If the plaster gets wet, you can dry it using a hair dryer. Be sure not to overheat the skins beneath the cast. If it’s too wet, you must return and get a new dressing done.

Always touch and feel the toes daily to check for warmth and dryness. Do this when your dog is occupied with something.

Your dog should respond when you squeeze its toes. If your dog is unresponsive, it’s a cause for concern, and you need to take it to the vet.

Place a sock over the cast to prevent your dog from licking the area. Your dog will not lick the cast when there is a sock on it. Ensure it’s a cover that allows the dressing to ‘breathe.’ Avoid using plastic or waterproof materials.

Watch for any irritations on top of the dressing. Sometimes sticky plasters and the dressing rubbing could cause allergic reactions, which you must address with the vet.

Ensure to take your pet for dressing changes as required.

Casting Prevention In Dogs

 

Preventing injuries requires you to watch your dog at all possible times. Dogs can jump or fall and get injured both indoors and outdoors. So it’s important to be on alert at all times.

Make a note of areas with stairs, as there is a high risk of your dog falling up. Fence your yard to ensure your dog doesn’t run onto the road without your knowledge. Road accidents are also a common reason for an injury that requires putting on a cast.

Stay alert when you take your dog outdoors for a walk or on an adventure like hiking, especially if it’s a stubborn one. Make sure you use a training collar for stubborn dogs to control your dog and prevent them from doing something that would cause an injury.

Conclusion

 

Keep these important facts on casting for dogs to ensure a speedy and complete recovery. Prevention is better than cure, so always keep an eye on your dog to prevent injuries that require using a cast for healing.

Finally, take good care of your dog while in recovery to ensure that it has minimal pain and that the affected area is fully-healed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Should A Dog Wear A Cast?

A dog should wear a cast for five to twelve weeks, depending on the severity and nature of the fracture.

Can A Dog Walk With A Cast?

Walking is fine as long as your dog doesn’t run or walk very fast. Ensure to keep the casting clean at all times, especially when it goes outdoors.

Can A Dog Fully Recover From A Broken Leg?

Yes. A dog can take up to twelve weeks to fully recover from a broken leg.

Dog braces

 

If your dog is recovering from an illness that requires a bandage, splint or sling, proper care is essential for his recovery. Complications are much more likely to occur in dogs that do not receive proper care and supervision.

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Splints , slings, and bandages can cause serious problems for your dog if:

  • they hurt you
  • slip with them
  • they twist
  • They stay for a long time
  • they get wet

Splints, slings, and bandages must be kept dry and clean at all times. If they get damp, wet or dirty, it is necessary to remedy this as soon as possible.

When the animal goes outdoors, a temporary waterproof coating may be applied to the bandage , sling, or splint to keep it dry. The cover should be used for short periods only (no more than 60 minutes at a time) and should be removed immediately upon returning home.

If the cover is left on for more than 60 minutes, moisture can accumulate inside the liner, causing the bandage to become soggy.

It is generally recommended that dogs remain indoors as much as possible while they are bandaged and rehabilitating. A wet bandage can quickly cause a skin infection. Change the bandage as soon as possible.

Check the toes and the tissue at the bottom of the bandage or splint at least once a day. If you notice any swelling the bandage may be too tight or shifted and needs to be checked out by a vet right away and probably replaced. In bandages or splints the swelling may appear as an extension apart from the toes. Compare with the other foot to detect differences.

If the bandage or splint appears to have slipped or twisted, smells bad, or has been damaged by chewing, your dog needs a new one.

You should monitor the skin near the edges of the bandage, sling, or splint for chafing, redness, or rashes. If any of these problems appear, take your dog to the vet as soon as possible.

Activity restriction is usually an important part of the healing process, as long as you have a bandage. Significantly restrict the dog’s activity unless your vet tells you otherwise. This includes keeping your dog on a leash on outings, if he is too active the bandage may lose its function.

Prevent slippery floors while leg, foot, back, hip, neck or shoulder bandages are in use.
It is in the animal’s best interest to avoid playing with other dogs or children during rehabilitation.
It is imperative to work closely with your vet during this period. Complications are much more likely to occur in pets that are not carefully watched.

Check bandages usually every 48 hours, from when they are placed. Check splints and slings every 1-2 days, depending on the needs of the patient.

IMPORTANT POINTS :

Use medications according to medical prescriptions.
Be sure to follow all activity restriction instructions from your veterinarian.
Watch carefully for any splint, sling, bandage, or post-surgical instructions (these can be the difference between a successful recovery and more problems).
Monitor your dog carefully and perform check-ups as directed by your veterinarian.