Dog Bone Fractures: External Fixation Care Instructions167

When your dog has a bone fracture, it can be a scary and stressful time. External fixation is a surgical procedure that can be used to stabilize the bone and promote healing. It involves placing pins or screws into the bone and attaching them to a metal frame outside the body. This frame provides support and stability to the bone while it heals.

After your dog's external fixation surgery, it is important to follow the care instructions carefully to ensure a successful recovery. Here are some of the most important things to keep in mind:

Keep the incision clean and dry

The incision site is where the pins or screws were inserted into the bone. It is important to keep this area clean and dry to prevent infection. Clean the incision daily with a mild soap and water solution, and pat it dry with a clean towel. Do not use any harsh chemicals or detergents on the incision.

Change the bandages regularly

The bandages around the incision site will need to be changed regularly to keep them clean and dry. Your veterinarian will tell you how often to change the bandages, but it is usually every 2-3 days. When you change the bandages, be sure to inspect the incision site for any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or discharge.

Restrict your dog's activity

It is important to restrict your dog's activity after external fixation surgery. This will help to prevent the bone from moving too much and disrupting the healing process. Your veterinarian will tell you how long your dog should be restricted from activity, but it is usually for several weeks.

Elevate your dog's leg

If your dog's fracture is in the leg, it is important to elevate the leg to reduce swelling. You can do this by placing a pillow or blanket under the leg when your dog is lying down or sleeping.

Monitor your dog for pain

Your dog may experience some pain after external fixation surgery. Your veterinarian will prescribe pain medication to help manage the pain. It is important to give your dog the pain medication as directed by your veterinarian.

Follow up with your veterinarian

It is important to follow up with your veterinarian regularly after external fixation surgery. Your veterinarian will need to check the incision site and the bone to make sure that the healing process is progressing as expected. Your veterinarian will also remove the external fixator once the bone has healed.

Following these care instructions will help to ensure a successful recovery for your dog after external fixation surgery. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact your veterinarian.

2025-01-17

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