Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
IT'S BROKEN
Any bone in the body can break if enough force is applied to it. Cats
break bones when they are hit by a car, fall from a height, get shaken
by a dog or larger animal, get caught in a garage door or even get
stepped on by their owner. The bad news is that fractures are painful
injuries, but the good news is that cats generally heal well.
There is significant pain and swelling associated with a fracture. A
veterinarian may be able to feel the ends of the broken bone or hear
abnormal cracking sounds, but an X ray is always needed. At least two
views of the bone are necessary to properly evaluate the fracture and
assess options for setting and immobilizing it.Aside from diagnosing the
fracture, it is necessary to evaluate the surrounding tissues to see if there
is other damage.
Some fractures heal adequately without surgery or a cast, such as
pelvic fractures that don't involve the hip joints. If there is no damage
to the nerves, hip joints or other organs, cats with pelvic fractures can
be confined and treated with supportive care, and may be up walking
and functioning on their own within two weeks. This is quite a feat,
considering that humans with the same injury can be bedridden for
months.
Putting the Pieces Together
The location of the fracture and the number of pieces of bone involved
will determine how easy or difficult the repair will be. Many veterinar-
ians do basic orthopedic procedures in their hospitals, but complicated
injuries may need to be referred to a board-certified veterinary sur-
geon. Surgeons usually have more experience and equipment available
for good repair of fractures. The equipment used to repair bones
includes:
•
Surgical wires
•
Stainless steel pins
•
Bone plates
•
Bone screws
•
External fixation apparatus
•
Casts
•
Splints
