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Important Facts About Using Cast For Dogs

Animal welfare, injuries, Treatments, vet

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.

Place the dog in a side-lying (lateral recumbency) position with the injured extremity facing down.
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.
Sometimes, the application of a stockinette bandage may be required.
Apply several layers of padding to the elevated leg. The padding consists of layers that are wound tightly around the leg.
Roll out several layers of cast material around the leg, from distal to proximal limb aspects, overlapping itself on each encirclement.
Place wet plaster atop the casting material to get the shape of the leg.
Turn the visible padding at both ends downwards, and tape over the stirrup.
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.

26/09/2022/1 Comment/by Ortocanis

How to take care of your dog’s bandage

Curiosities, injuries, stories, vet

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.

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.

29/03/2022/0 Comments/by Ortocanis

Care of a dog that has had a leg amputation

Animal welfare, injuries, most commented

Until not so long ago, finding a dog with one or more legs missing, either completely or partially, was not very common. When a doghad an accident or suffereda disease that resulted in the amputation of a leg, it was customary to put it down. There was not much information on the subject, nor many options for dogs suffering from this problem.

But fortunately for animals, this is no longer the case. Advances in both surgery and care for dogs that have suffered the loss of a leg mean that they are able to cope and fend for themselves. To the point of living a practically normal life. Of course, with some special care and attention.

Caring for a dog with a recently amputated leg

If the dog has recently lost a leg, it will require certaincare until it physically recovers. Unlike humans, who require several months to recover physically after an amputation, a dog recovers from this type of operation quite quickly. Indeed, in two or three days, a dog can be quite recoveredfrom the operation. And he will have regainedhis mobility, almost completely, in two to three weeks.

You may need a little help at first to get up, relieve yourself, or eat, for example. Especially if the amputation is of the foreleg. In these cases, the animal will recover somewhat more slowly than if the amputation is of the rear. This is because dogs carry more weight on their front legs than on their hind legs.

What we will have to worry about is the wound healing and its cures. It is important to make sure that the wound does not become infected and that it heals well. Generally, the veterinarian will be in charge of a careful follow-up of the wound, although it is also advisable to monitor it at home and report any anomaly to the veterinarian. If there is no problem, the staples that are usually used to close this type of wound will be removed in about 15 days.

On an emotional level, recovery will be another matter. An amputation can be somewhat complicated for a dog, so he may be sad or listless for a few days. It’s perfectly normal, but it won’t last long. Dogs, when they get used to their new situation, have no trauma. They can be perfectly happy even if they have three legs.

Precautions for dogs with amputated legs

As mentioned above, a dog with a missing leg will be able to recover in a short time. And live a practically normal life. For them it will be no problem to run or jump with only three legs. It seems amazing, but that’s how it is. However, there are some precautions to be taken with the health of this type of dog. Especially in terms of muscles and bones.

Dogs that have had a leg amputated will, thereafter,redistribute the weight of the body and remaining limbs differently. From one that, although comfortable for you, is not your natural one. Therefore, it is advisable to watch your bones and, above all, your spine, to avoid wear and tear. Periodic check-ups sincethe amputation will have to pay special attention to your muscles and bones to avoid problems.

Ortocanis editorial team.

13/03/2019/0 Comments/by Ortocanis

What to do with a dog that has back problems

Animal welfare, injuries, Pathologies, Treatments

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 .

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.

17/01/2019/0 Comments/by Ortocanis

Boots for dogs: to prevent and heal injuries

Animal welfare, injuries

Surely on some occasion you have seen a dog with a kind of shoes that protected its legs. It is not a whim of its owner so that the animal looks like it is wearing shoes. Surely there is a reason for you to wear dog boots . A poorly healed wound, an injury to a foot pad, etc.

But they can also be used preventively to avoid injuries and illnesses . Especially when taking a dog to the mountains or for a walk through rough terrain. Or when there are low temperatures, snow or ice. The use of shoes or boots for dogs protects their paws and avoids problems derived from stepping on them.

Boots for dogs: as an aid in healing injuries

When dogs suffer certain types of injuries, they feel pain when supporting the injured paw. In addition, especially if it is a wound caused by a sharp object , the paw pads are often injured. Therefore, for a certain time they feel pain when stepping on . And the paws are more sensitive when stepping on certain surfaces and can be hurt again.

Protecting the injured leg with a boot will prevent many situations in which it could be injured again. The boots can be high and low, with a rubber sole or with a vibram type. In the latter case, it will help you move comfortably (and with better grip) on all types of surfaces.

The boots are indicated for dogs that have some mobility problems . In these cases, they will have to wear boots on all their legs. They are not uncomfortable and are easy to put on and take off, so they are perfect for them. And by wearing them, you will improve your grip level. Precisely, dogs that have mobility problems, mainly due to age or a serious injury, often have stability problems . And they slip.

With the boots they will be able to grip better , they will walk with more comfort and they will avoid falls. In these cases, the most recommended, especially if they move on smooth surfaces, are those with rubber soles .

Boots on uneven or snowy surfaces

Dog boots will also be very comfortable for the animal if we put them on in certain situations. For example, to walk through forests or uneven surfaces . Also for climbs to the mountain. Or when it is very cold or snowing. With them, their legs will not suffer from finding stones or other strange elements. Nor by the action of the cold.

Frost and snowfall leave the ground in conditions that are not exactly the most suitable for dog paws. The cold when stepping on them can dry out their pads , which in many cases can open. This leads to injuries to their legs, and consequent mobility problems. Boots with vibram-type soles have more grip than rubber ones and are more appropriate for snow. However, they can be used on all types of terrain.

04/01/2019/0 Comments/by Ortocanis

Causes of a limp in young dogs

Animal welfare, injuries, Pathologies

Lameness, although we usually relate it to older dogs or that are close to it, the truth is that it can appear at any age. However, it can be due to specific pathologies. Here we leave you the causes of lameness in young dogs.

Why does lameness appear in young dogs?

Lameness is a problem that occurs in dogs very frequently. The origin of this can be found in the bones, cartilage, joints and even the hip. To determine its cause, we will not only have to take into account the age of the animal and its lifestyle, but we will also have to value the presence of certain pathologies or diseases.

Although in many cases the cause can be the same at any age, today we are going to talk about the causes of lameness in young dogs. However, whenever we observe problems walking, it is convenient to go to the veterinarian.

canine panoaestheitis

This inflammatory-type disease is one of the causes of lameness in young dogs. Its origin is found in the bones, especially the humerus. It occurs mainly in large and giant breeds due to their own growth.

Symptoms include weakness and a limp that can alternatively affect both legs. For the diagnosis, an X-ray will be performed that will allow us to see the affected parts inside the bone. It usually disappears when the animal reaches adulthood, so only anti-inflammatories are administered.

Avascular necrosis in the femur

This cause of lameness in young dogs also occurs in humans. The head of the femur is disappearing for reasons that are not fully known. It most often affects small dog breeds, although it also affects some large ones. Usually between four and six weeks of age.

To diagnose it, it will be necessary to observe lameness in young dogs with support and a progressive increase in pain. The kneecap of that leg will be elevated from its normal position. Initially it may be mild but in one or two months it will intensify. An X-ray makes it possible to verify it. The treatment is surgical, and consists of joining the tibia with a band and nails.

hypertrophic osteodystrophy

The third cause of lameness in young dogs comes from feeding. Imbalances in the diet cause abnormal bone proliferation to occur. The limbs swell and fever also appears. It is very painful.

To treat this lameness in young dogs, which are usually large breeds, the diet is modified and anti-inflammatories are administered. It can take months for the problem to be fixed.

Osteochondritis dissecans

The cause of this lameness in young dogs is a crack in the cartilage of the joint. By losing the liquid that is inside, it touches the bone and inflammation occurs. It can appear on the knee, elbow or shoulder, among others. Surgical intervention is usually necessary, in addition to using protections, such as chondroprotectors .

Patella dislocation

The last of the causes of lameness in young dogs is dislocation. Both due to a blow and genetics, the patella moves out of place. It is more frequent in small breeds and the symptomatology is jumping when walking. By palpating the joint it can be easily detected. Depending on the severity of the lameness in young dogs, surgery may be required. If it is mild, anti-inflammatories and chondroprotectors will suffice.

And so far the causes of lameness in young dogs. Remember that blows, accidents or excessive activity can also cause it. In any case, the veterinarian will be the one who can tell us the reason and its treatment.

31/12/2018/0 Comments/by Ortocanis

Why is my dog limping?

injuries, Pathologies

It is quite common to see a dog limp . Like humans, a bad step or a blow can lead them to suffer pain. And as a consequence to limp for a few minutes. But when time passes and they don’t stop doing it, or when they start to limp on one leg for no apparent reason, it’s a good idea to find the causes.

To do this, the first thing is to check the leg on the outside. It may simply be that the animal has stuck something in the area of the paw pads and is hurting it when walking. In these cases, it will suffice to carefully remove it and disinfect the affected area. Sometimes you can remove it yourself. But other times, what is wrong will not be so obvious, and it will be necessary to go to the vet to examine the dog.

-“My dog limps”: let’s see the possible causes.

Aside from getting something stuck in the leg, or suffering from an injury, the most common cause of a dog limping is a joint injury . Or in the muscles and bones. In many of these cases, it will be revealed by some swelling in the leg, or an inflammation in the joints. But other times there will be no external sign that gives it away. In these cases, the dog starts to limp suddenly. Many times, it does so after practicing physical activity of a certain intensity. Among the most common injuries are ligament tears and dislocations , as well as fractures .

The effects of age can also cause a dog to limp due to conditions such as osteoarthritis . In these cases, the veterinarian must prepare a plan for the dog to get better. It can also be caused by dysplasia , either of the hip or elbow. In this case, the hip or elbow joint becomes inflamed, and does not fit properly in its rightful place. In many cases it may require surgery to correct.

Also, in young dogs, it can be caused by something similar to the pain children experience in their legs as they grow. It is more frequent in large dogs, and disappears only after a few weeks. It is called panosteitis and can pass from one leg to another. In any case, it is much less worrying than the previous causes.

What to do if your dog limps

The first thing to do when faced with lameness in a dog is to go to the vet. He will examine you to determine the causes of the ailment and will give you the appropriate treatment. In some cases, anti- inflammatories and perhaps a splint, orthosis or harness will suffice. But in other cases surgery will be advisable to correct the problem.

In other cases, the animal will have to perform various rehabilitation exercises. And you may need some help to improve your ambulation . For example, a joint protector , which will vary depending on the affected leg. And the area of it that is affected. These neoprene protectors will increase the working temperature of the joint, accelerating metabolism and recovery while reducing pain and inflammation.

In any case, it is advisable to follow the recommendation of the veterinarian before placing one.

aids for limping dogs

26/11/2018/0 Comments/by Ortocanis

Reasons why a dog has trouble walking

Animal welfare, injuries, most commented, Pathologies

There are several factors why a dog may have trouble walking. When evaluating a pathology, we must take into account, among other things, the age of the animal, since on some occasions, such as in elderly dogs, the main reason may be age itself. But what other causes can there be?

Causes of walking problems

Depending on the rhythm of life that our dog leads, it is possible that he will experience localized pain for a few days. Just as it happens to us, excessive exercise can cause tiredness and weakness. This will cause us to have trouble walking.

However, when the pain lasts for more than a couple of days, we should go to the vet. There they will make an assessment and proceed with the diagnosis. Some of the most common causes of walking problems are the following.

injuries

In addition to an unseen fracture or torn tendon, walking problems can also be caused by a back or spinal cord injury. This usually appears due to trauma, a stroke or damage to the discs.

When a dog’s spinal cord or spine is inflamed or injured, the hind legs may show signs of weakness or instability. This will inevitably cause problems walking. If our dog has not suffered an accident but is in this situation, we must go to the vet as soon as possible.

degenerative myelopathy

This disease is another reason why a dog may have trouble walking. Especially in adult dogs , the fibers that send signals to the brain for leg movement are gradually being destroyed. The cause is the deterioration of the spinal cord itself.

Dogs with myelopathy do not experience pain, but the disease directly affects mobility. The legs lose strength and the animal is not able to walk normally or stand for long. Currently there is no cure for this disease, but physiotherapy and holistic medicine can relieve symptoms.

Diabetes

Females are more prone to diabetes, which can also cause walking problems. Although some breeds such as Goldens, German Shepherds or Schnauzers are more prone, it can affect anyone.

To avoid diabetes, it is advisable not to give dogs foods rich in sugar. Since they are capable of eating anything, it is very common for many owners to share their food. But we must not forget that some apparently harmless foods that they also like are toxic to them. To determine if diabetes is the cause of walking problems, an analysis is enough.

osteoarthritis

Arthritis and osteoarthritis are other reasons why dogs can have trouble walking. Adult dogs and large breeds are usually the ones who suffer the most from this disease. It usually affects the hip and knee joints, deteriorating cushioning and causing pain.

Some medications in addition to physical therapy can relieve symptoms. Thus, our friend will be able to maintain an optimal quality of life and reduce his problems walking.

The causes of walking problems are wide and varied. In any case, if we observe that our dog spends more than two days without being able to move normally, it is best to go to the vet. The sooner we detect the problem, the sooner we can fix it.

19/11/2018/0 Comments/by Ortocanis

What can cause paralysis in dogs?

injuries, most commented, Pathologies, Treatments

Paralysis in dogs

, which makes the animal unable to move its hind legs, front legs, or four legs, has various origins. It can be caused by trauma, but also by illness. It can also be gradual or sudden, be irreversible, or offer possibilities for improvement or healing.

Wheelchair for Ortocanis dog

In any case, it will be necessary to provide the animal with all the necessary care to facilitate its recovery. For this, it is essential to know the cause of paralysis to apply the most appropriate treatment. We could not only alleviate your symptoms, but reverse them in certain cases, and if not possible, provide you with the highest possible quality of life .

Main causes of paralysis in dogs

Fundamentally, paralysis in dogs is caused by either trauma or disease. This can be congenital or infectious. Among the congenital diseases that cause paralysis in dogs, especially in the hind limbs, is a degenerative pathology of the intervertebral discs. Dogs that suffer from it, usually due to age, lose mobility, since the membrane that surrounds their spinal cord progressively decomposes.

As for infectious diseases that cause paralysis , there are two that are particularly dangerous. They are rabies and distemper. On the other hand, the animal experiencing paralysis may have a tumor somewhere on its body that affects its mobility. For example, if you have one in your spine, it can affect your limbs.

In addition, the dog may suffer paralysis from an injury to the neck or spinal cord. Generally, these types of injuries are the result of a hard blow or an accident. In these cases, the paralysis is usually permanent.

On many occasions the dog does not want to move because it has pain. It is common to find cases of ligament injuries or osteoarthritis where the dog avoids using the affected limb. We would not talk about a paralysis itself but we must know these cases since they are more frequent. Normally we will see that the animal complains if we manipulate the affected area. In these cases the veterinarian could recommend the use of an
orthosis
.

In another order of things, paralysis in dogs can also be psychological, as a result of shock. In these cases, since there are no spinal cord injuries, the paralysis will be temporary. It can also cause the intake of spoiled food, contaminated with botulinum toxin. It can even be caused by the bite of an insect, since there are animals that with a bite can cause paralysis in dogs. This is the case of some families of ticks.

Symptoms and treatment of paralysis in dogs

In addition to being unable to walk, paralysis in dogs can have other symptoms. For example, difficulties getting up. It can also be an indicator that the animal cannot urinate, or that it has trouble controlling urine. In the latter case, it will drip constantly. This can also happen to the animal when defecating. In addition, you may also walk in pain or as if you are dizzy.

In these cases, it is best to take the animal to the veterinarian to examine it and decide the best way to help it. In case you suffer from incontinence apart from paralysis, it will be necessary to keep it as clean as possible. This will prevent the animal from having infections (and undesirable odors). In these cases you can use special
diapers
for dogs and protective coats.

On the other hand, we must ensure that he rests in the most comfortable way possible. For this it is advisable to use an orthopedic bed for dogs. In addition to providing them with better rest, these beds are designed to distribute the weight of the animal, avoid pressure points and ulcers on the skin due to prolonged use.

In any case, having a paralysis is not currently an obstacle for dogs to continue moving and enjoying. There are wheelchairs adapted to them, with which, if they have mobility in the front legs, they can continue walking and moving as if all four legs worked well.

Ortocanis Writing Team

12/11/2018/0 Comments/by Ortocanis

How to act in the face of a dog fracture

injuries

A hit or fall are the main causes of broken bones in dogs. Also the age or physical condition of the dog will affect to a greater or lesser extent the severity of the situation. Since one day we could see ourselves in this situation, we will know how we should act before a fracture in a dog.

What are bone fractures?

A fracture is a partial or total break of a bone. Depending on the severity and type of fracture, it may or may not be visible. Thus, some can break the skin and appear to the outside, while at other times the displacement of the bone remains inside the skin.

Knowing how to act on a fracture is vital, because although they have treatment, if we do not act quickly we can endanger the life of the animal. Some factors that will influence the trigger or evolution are the age of the dog, weight, lifestyle or possible pathologies that may suffer.

$Cómo actuar ante una fractura de perro$

The importance of knowing how to act in the face of a fracture

As we say, sometimes an accident does not have to have a greater impact than the localized damage itself. But so that gravity does not transcend, it is necessary to know how to act before a fracture in a dog.

If you have been lucky enough not to see yourself in this situation but you want to learn not to take risks, or if it has happened to you and you have not known how to react, we will know the steps we must take to help an injured animal.

Call for help as soon as possible

Whether we have knowledge of first aid or not, we should call a veterinarian as soon as possible. If we have a vehicle, it is important to move it as soon as possible. In the event that we do not have one, we can consult directly with our veterinarian.

Some veterinary clinics have an ambulance service available for the collection of injured animals. We must remember that as with non-visible fractures, there may be other traumatisms that we do not perceive. Knowing how to act in the face of a fracture or an accident is essential to save their lives.

Immobilizes the area

If it is a visible fracture and we have knowledge of first aid, we can proceed to immobilize the area. A newspaper or a magazine can be useful to us. It is enough to tie them or hold them with a bandage around the fractured limb.

However, before rushing to act on a fracture, we must ask ourselves if we really know how to do it. If we are not in possession of minimal knowledge about the splinting of a limb, it is better to wait for assistance. In addition to worsening the situation if there are joints involved, we can cause pain to the animal.

Modifies your posture if you are unconscious

Sometimes the animal can become unconscious, and acting on a fracture in these cases becomes more important. When moving it, we must raise its head and avoid compressing or bending its neck. Major risks that may occur are choking when swallowing the tongue or cervical damage.

Our veterinarian will then take care of immobilizing the area correctly or performing surgery if necessary. For its recovery, it will be necessary to use splints or other accessories that protect the area.

Check out the items we have available in our store and help them improve quickly. Taking care of him with affection and patience is as important as knowing how to act in the face of a fracture.

18/10/2018/0 Comments/by Ortocanis