How many bones grow together in cats. What to do if a cat breaks its paw? Conservative treatment - cat paw fracture

If your cat's paw is broken and you can't get to the vet for some reason, you may need to splint the cat's paw yourself. Ask someone to help you. One head it's good, but two better; just as four hands are better than two, especially if the pet is conscious. Continue reading Step 1 to learn how to help your kitten quickly and effectively.

Steps

Part 1

Preparing bandages and cats

Remove all bandages from the package. Although this seems like a very simple step, it is very important. Opening plastic wraps of bandages will be much more difficult when holding a wounded and very angry cat in your hands. Packages can be simply torn apart. Once they've all printed out, lay out the materials on your desk or in a workbench next to your desk so you can grab what you need quickly when you're splinting.

It's a good idea to arrange the materials in the order in which you will use them. If you are right-handed, arrange the materials from left to right in the following order: cotton ball, gauze bandage, splint, band-aid, cotton wool, bandage, wide elastic bandage.

Choose a table for work. It should have a comfortable height and be large enough to put the cat on it and fit all the necessary materials that were mentioned above. You should also check the stability of the table, if it wobbles or tips over, the cat may become completely scared and angry, which will greatly aggravate the situation.

Make cotton buds. These are rolled pieces of cotton wool that you insert between the toes of a cat's paw. To make one filament, tear off the fourth piece from the cotton ball and twist it with your fingers to form a thin cotton filament.
- Make 4 flagella to prevent the cat's claws from digging into the cat's nearby toes when splinting.
Cut the patch strips ahead of time. This will greatly facilitate the application of the tire. Each strip should be long enough to wrap around the splinted cat's paw twice. Prepare 3-4 strips, and then glue them to the table with the tips so that you can quickly take them while you work.

Ask someone to help hold your cat. This will greatly facilitate the application of the splint and will be less painful. If someone is holding the cat for you, both of your hands will be free to apply the splint.

Place the cat on the table. When you find a helper, carefully take the injured cat and place it on the table with the injured paw on top. For example, if a cat has broken its front left paw, you should place it on its right side.

Fix the cat. Don't be offended if the cat tries to fight or bite. She is experiencing severe pain and is not in himself. Therefore, it is important to take all precautions so that you and your assistant do not get hurt. Let the assistant hold the cat by the scruff (skin on the back of the neck). So she will definitely not be able to bite, it will also prevent her from moving. This method of holding a cat is painless for her, it is for the scruff of the mother cat that they carry their kittens.
- If the cat is very aggressive and does not calm down when held by the scruff of the neck, throw a towel over her head. This will calm her down (cats love the dark) and ensure that the helper doesn't get bitten.
Draw out the wounded paw of the cat. The assistant should hold the cat by the collar with one hand, and carefully straighten her broken paw with the other. How exactly to do this depends on which paw is broken.
- If the front paw is broken, the helper should place the index finger under the cat's elbow and gently push it forward towards the cat's head to straighten the paw.
- If the hind leg is broken, the helper should place a finger on the front of the thigh as close to the hip joint as possible and press very gently in the direction of the cat's tail. The back leg will straighten out.
Fix the end of the cotton wool and apply another layer of it. When it reaches the cat's elbow or thigh (depending on which leg is broken), cut off the cotton. Start winding the second layer of it from your fingers and repeat the process one more time until you have at least three layers of winding.

Complete the procedure. After wrapping with cotton, you should again bandage with a regular bit, and then with a wide elastic bandage. Bandage should be the same as before: from the fingers in a spiral to the very elbow or thigh. Cut the bandage and slide it into the previous turn.

Keep your cat in a confined space. The purpose of a freshly placed splint is to immobilize the broken limb so it can heal. However, even with a splint, walking or jumping can dislodge a broken bone and delay or even stop healing. Because of this, she should be kept in the confined space of a small room or puppy cage.

One of the most common injuries among domestic felines is, often the back. These animals always go for walks “on their own”, hide under warm cars, climb on open windows and like to climb trees. All this can lead to a serious fracture.

With such an injury, you should immediately consult a veterinarian. After all, a fracture can be of varying severity and the treatment must be complete and professional. In this article, we will look at the types of fractures, how to treat and care for them afterwards.

Fractured paw in a cat: types and classification

Cat paw fractures can be divided into two broad categories, which are further subdivided into others:

1 Congenital. Sometimes newborn kittens are born already with a fracture. This may be due to improper development inside the womb. It could be like physiological feature, and the reason from the outside, for example, a fall, a blow, children harmed the mother cat, etc. It is also worth mentioning the pathology that was acquired from birth. With this pathology and a systemic failure of the physiology of the bone, it can break at any age from slight pressure. 2 Acquired. These are all other types of injuries. A kitten can get a leg fracture due to an incorrect delivery. Adults, as already mentioned, very often walk on their own, find adventures and often suffer because of this. Cats are too curious and it can be detrimental to them.

There is also a more extended classification.

tubular bone fracture(we are talking about the front or hind legs);
flat bone fracture(we are talking about a fracture in the pelvic area);
others (tail, spine, ribs and skull with jaw).

open. With such an injury, a bone can be seen through the broken tissues and skin of the animal. This fracture is the most dangerous, because there is a risk of infection, and bleeding is also difficult to stop;
closed. Outwardly, the fracture is not visible at all, but inside the bone is broken. This is a more favorable scenario, since the likelihood of recovery in the event of an experienced veterinarian is extremely high.

In both cases, the bone can break in one place or in several. It all depends on the reason. For example, if a pet fell out of a window, then there is a possibility of multiple fractures, since in flight it could hit trees or eaves.

transverse fracture (the bone is broken perpendicularly, in half);
oblique fracture (bone broken at an angle);
longitudinal fracture (the bone breaks along, a rare case);
spiral fracture (with twisted limb movement);
comminuted fracture (with separation of bone fragments);
comminuted fracture (multiple fracture of a bone into fragments).

A broken paw in a cat: signs

Finding a broken paw in a cat is not difficult.. The cat just stops stepping on its paw, jumps on three. If the hip bone is broken, then the cat cannot even stand on its feet at all. If you feel the site of injury, you can detect unnatural activity of bone mobility, and a crunch of bones can also be heard. Also, this place swells up within a few hours or a day later. The cat will show his pain in every possible way, whine, meow and complain.

According to these symptoms, a closed fracture can be determined. The open ones are characterized by the visibility of the wound, an abundance of blood, and the bone is also visible and peeps out from under the torn skin and wool.

Fractured paw in a cat: treatment

Many online resources provide advice on transporting a cat with a fracture. However, we we strongly do not recommend moving the animal in principle. If it is closed, no one knows what is inside. For example, if there are multiple fragments, moving may be too painful for the pet.

Our veterinary center "Ya-VET" is represented in several reference points in the city of Moscow. Experienced veterinarians are ready to respond to an urgent call to your home and in less than 40 minutes they will be on the spot. The presence of professional equipment, the necessary certificates and diplomas will show the seriousness and professionalism of our employees. In case an operation is required, the doctors will quartz the room on the spot to make it sterile. After all, the main thing is to have time to do the necessary actions in order to save the pet not only a paw, but also life.

There are two methods of treating such injuries, we will consider in more detail.

Conservative treatment - fracture of the paw in a cat

Under conservative treatment means the treatment in which there is no surgical intervention in the body of the animal. Most often, the procedure begins with an anesthetic, after which the bone is collected and folded by palpation (if necessary), and then a splint or plaster is applied. The bandage and plaster should fix nearby joints. IN modern medicine apply new type of gypsum which is lighter and more durable. If the fracture is minor and consists of a crack, then plaster is applied for 15-20 days. If it is more serious, then for a month or a little more, depending on the situation.

To make the animal suffer less, at first he may be prescribed an anesthetic. Some ointments and medications may also be prescribed to avoid inflammation or infection if the fracture is open. Then everything is simple - it remains to wait and sometimes make injections that accelerate the growth and restoration of bone tissue.

A young cat literally takes 3 or 4 weeks to recover., older ones, on average, recover twice as long. But in general, the prognosis is almost always reassuring, because in matters of fracture, due to their frequency, medicine has taken a long step forward.

Surgical treatment of a bone fracture, - a paw fracture in a cat

If multiple fracture, open, depressed or of a different severity, then you simply cannot do without a veterinary surgeon. He performs an operation on osteosynthesis - connecting the bones and fixing them. After they grow together, special needles are removed and a regular plaster is applied, if necessary.

Osteosynthesis

Intramedullary osteosynthesis. Broken bones are connected with a rod that holds and holds them together. In difficult situations, it can come out and be fixed with screws. The rods are not removed when the effect is achieved, this is the main danger and complexity of this procedure. However, the technique is used quite often and it is popular.
Extramedullary osteosynthesis. A plate is applied to the damaged bones, which is attached to them with the help of nails and screws. It is securely fixed and this allows the bones to fuse faster. This method is the most common and popular. It is not suitable only for particularly fragile bone tissue and for young kittens.
Extrafocal osteosynthesis. The entire paw is fixed along the perimeter with the help of special iron knitting needles. The disadvantage of the method is the inconvenience of use and long recovery.

Fractured paw in a cat: rehabilitation

After fracture it is important to adhere to the instructions and instructions of the doctor. Even after removing the plaster and knitting needles, you need to give time for recovery. Therefore, it is worth limiting physical exercise, give the cat the necessary vitamins and minerals prescribed by the doctor, feed it with special food, and also regularly look at the veterinarian.

Since in this state it is better not to disturb the animal once again, we recommend calling a doctor at home. He will examine the animal and note the recovery, along the way giving advice on food, vitamins and other ways to quickly restore the pet's physical activity.

Of course, here it is worth talking about different periods. If the recovery period for a paw fracture can reach two months, then with a tail fracture, the animal will feel fine in a month. Unfortunately, there are also cases when the animal remains disabled and it is necessary to use prostheses and wheels so that the pet can move around. However, medicine has jumped far and such cases are rare. Only if the owner is not too late to apply for veterinary care.

Fractured paw in a cat - conclusion

A broken paw in a cat, a beloved animal, is an unpleasant period for any owner. but recovery takes on average about a month or two, which means that even if misfortune happened, it will soon pass and the cat, together with you, will enjoy healthy bones in the shortest possible time.

For everything to be like this, it is advisable not to move the pet, but to immediately call our experienced veterinarians "I-VET". They will arrive in 40 minutes at any time of the day or night, seven days a week. If necessary, the operation can be carried out right at home, so as not to waste time. It is absolutely safe and sterile, your cat will only say "thank you".

Do not self-medicate and self-diagnose your pets, because there is a risk that the bone will grow crookedly and you will only ruin the life of the cat. It is better to entrust this matter to professionals who know how to treat animals and who love them as much as you do!

Cats are highly mobile, especially at a young age; when, while playing, they can perform complex tricks, which often end in injury in an apartment. Sometimes even your own dog, with whom the cat is friends, can accidentally cause slight damage during the game. A fall from a height usually causes concussion, fractures and bruises of varying severity. If the cat has free access to the street, the risk of injury increases. In such a situation, the owner can easily face the fact that the cat's paw is bruised. This phenomenon is not dangerous, but requires proper treatment not to start inflammatory process. It is also important for owners of four-legged pets to be able to distinguish a simple bruise from more serious injuries, which are fracture and dislocation, requiring the intervention of a veterinarian.

How to identify an injury

When a cat has a paw injury, it immediately becomes noticeable. The first sign of injury: the injured animal keeps the injured limb suspended and tries not to step on it. If the cat stands on a bruised paw, then it limps heavily, trying to immediately transfer the weight to other limbs. Damage to the limb of a cat, if it is a bruise, has the following main manifestations:

paw edema - the limb, like any organ, swells due to the fact that in subcutaneous tissue blood and lymph accumulate from damaged vessels;
hematoma at the site of injury;
there is no wound on the skin;
there are no violations in the structure of the paw and its joint;
gait disturbance due to severe lameness;
the cat constantly licks the diseased paw in order to massage the tissues with the tongue and accelerate the resorption of the hematoma;
the aggressiveness that the cat shows when the owner tries to touch the diseased paw;
local rise in temperature.

It doesn't matter, severe injury back paw or anterior occurs, normally it passes within 5-7 days. Gait disturbances and edema completely disappear, and the pet returns to a normal rhythm of life. Treatment for a bruise is generally not required, but for the speedy elimination of symptoms, you can use agents that will accelerate the resorption of edema. If the recovery is delayed, then, in addition to the bruise, there is a sprain, and the help of a doctor is needed.

How to distinguish from fracture and dislocation

When a cat has injured a paw, one must be able to distinguish between a bruise and a fracture and dislocation, so that in case of serious damage, immediately seek veterinary help. The main manifestations of a fracture are:

violation of the configuration of the paw;
acute pain, due to which the cat constantly meows strongly and does not even try to step on its paw;
when probing, the instability of the bone is determined;
swelling not only at the site of impact, but throughout the paw

In such a situation, an urgent visit to the veterinarian is required. If the cat has received a dislocation, then the place where the bone exits the joint is clearly visible. At the same time, the paw hangs, and the animal cannot use it. In case of a dislocation, the help of a specialist is necessary. Only if the cat has received a bruise will it be possible to carry out therapy on its own. True, when bruises on the paw of a kitten appear, it is better to immediately contact a veterinarian, since in a moving baby it is not always possible to correctly assess the severity of the damage on your own.

How to treat a bruised paw

When it is revealed that the cat suffered precisely from a bruised paw, and not a more serious injury, it is necessary first of all to calm it down, since due to the injury the animal is in state of shock. To do this, just take the cat in your arms and sit with her, slowly stroking her back. After that, you can go directly to therapy. Self-treatment bruises in cats is carried out by simple home methods.

Cold helps prevent the development of profuse edema. Ice pack or cloth dampened cold water, applied for 1 minute to the site of injury, after which they take a break for 30 seconds and then put the cold again. The procedure is carried out for at least 15 minutes.
Rubbing with alcohol. It should be carried out no earlier than 2 hours after receiving a bruised paw. When rubbing, pressure should not be exerted on the diseased limb, so as not to cause the animal to discomfort. If the cat agrees to walk with a bandage, then it is better to put a vodka compress, which works as efficiently as possible.

A bruised paw is not a disease, and therefore possible prevention in this case, only ensuring the maximum safe conditions keeping a pet. When there is doubt as to whether a cat's lameness is caused by a joint disease or injury, and how serious it is, an urgent visit to the veterinarian should be made.

VETERINARY CONSULTATION REQUIRED. INFORMATION FOR INFORMATION ONLY. Administration

A cast is not used to treat fractures in cats for many reasons. To begin with, it is very difficult, even impossible, to get a cat to keep a broken paw with a cast. And, even more so, provide the animal with bed rest or hang the leg in traction. Cats try to get rid of the plaster as soon as possible, bite it, gnaw it, try to remove it from the furniture, causing additional harm to themselves.

The second reason is that, since cats and dogs almost never break their legs by “slipping on ice” and “bad jumping,” they rarely have “crack” fractures or simple non-displaced fractures. For this reason, fractures in cats often require complex reduction of fragments and comparison of fragments.

Finally, a number of studies have shown that for the fastest and most complete union of a fracture, several factors are required - the most complete comparison of fragments, their most rigid fixation, preservation of blood supply, and early support on the limb. All these requirements cannot be met if paw fractures in cats are treated with plaster, therefore, osteosynthesis is preferred all over the world, both in veterinary and human orthopedics, in which recovery is faster and better.

Fractured paw in a cat: types and classification

Closed fracture

If, during a fracture, the broken bones do not break through the skin and do not come out, such a fracture is called a closed one.

Open fracture

If the broken ends of the bone come out during a fracture, this is called " open fracture". With such a fracture, bones sticking out of the wound are visible.

Breakdown

The bones of young cats are quite soft and can bend and crack without breaking. Such damage does not require the installation of a pin.

Closed fracture without displacement - the bone is broken, but is in a natural position. There may be swelling, bluishness, or redness of the tissues at the fracture site. A closed pelvic fracture in a cat is a common injury resulting from a fall from a window.

Closed fracture with displacement - the bone is broken, the ends parted to the sides, but soft tissues only partially damaged. Possible internal bleeding!

Sometimes one of the broken edges protrudes under the muscle, forming an unnatural bulge visible to the naked eye. Tissues in the area of injury are edematous. A closed fracture of the jaw in a cat is often complicated by displacement and crushing of thin jaw bones.

A fracture is an injury in which the edges of the bone do not diverge, held by an intact area. It is difficult to determine by external signs, a crack is often confused with a bruise - it is possible mild swelling, soreness, but more often the cat still leans on the injured part of the body, although it is careful.

Sometimes newborn kittens are born already with a fracture. This may be due to improper development inside the womb. This can be both a physiological feature and an outside reason, for example, a fall, a blow, children hurt the mother cat, etc. It is also worth mentioning the pathology that was acquired from birth. With this pathology and a systemic failure of the physiology of the bone, it can break at any age from slight pressure.

These are all other types of injuries. A kitten can get a leg fracture due to an incorrect delivery. Adults, as already mentioned, very often walk on their own, find adventures and often suffer because of this. Cats are too curious and it can be detrimental to them.

There is also a more extended classification.

tubular bone fracture(we are talking about the front or hind legs);
flat bone fracture(we are talking about a fracture in the pelvic area);
others (tail, spine, ribs and skull with jaw).

open . With such an injury, a bone can be seen through the broken tissues and skin of the animal. This fracture is the most dangerous, because there is a risk of infection, and bleeding is also difficult to stop;
closed . Outwardly, the fracture is not visible at all, but inside the bone is broken. This is a more favorable scenario, since the likelihood of recovery in the event of an experienced veterinarian is extremely high.

In both cases, the bone can break in one place or in several. It all depends on the reason. For example, if a pet fell out of a window, then there is a possibility of multiple fractures, since in flight it could hit trees or eaves.

transverse fracture (the bone is broken perpendicularly, in half);
oblique fracture (bone broken at an angle);
longitudinal fracture (the bone breaks along, a rare case);
spiral fracture (with twisted limb movement);
comminuted fracture (with separation of bone fragments);
comminuted fracture (multiple fracture of a bone into fragments).

A broken paw in a cat: signs

It is not difficult to identify a broken paw in a cat. The cat just stops stepping on its paw, jumps on three. If the hip bone is broken, then the cat cannot even stand on its feet at all. If you feel the site of injury, you can detect unnatural activity of bone mobility, and a crunch of bones can also be heard. Also, this place swells up within a few hours or a day later. The cat will show his pain in every possible way, whine, meow and complain.

With a closed fracture, the bones that are broken do not break through the skin and do not come out.

If, with such an injury, the bones stick out of the wound, this is already an open fracture.

A fracture can be in young cats, as their bones are soft. And therefore, a fracture can be ruled out, and the bones can bend or crack during injury. It does not require the installation of a pin.

Obvious signs of a fracture in a cat

With an open fracture of the bone, it is extremely easy to understand that a cat has a fracture. The cat will present with an open wound, soft tissue swelling, and usually severe pain syndrome. In some cases, you may notice the presence of bone fragments in the wound. With a closed fracture in a cat, everything is much more complicated.

To determine the correctness of the diagnosis, it is necessary to pay attention to the behavior of the pet. If radical changes are noticeable, it is necessary to contact a veterinary clinic. The most common symptoms of a broken paw in cats are:

paw curvature;
unwillingness to attack correctly;
change in gait;
the crunch of fragments.

The last sign is characteristic of a serious injury. Then you should carefully immobilize the pet and urgently transport it to the veterinary clinic. This is very serious, so you need to mobilize as much as possible and help your pet in a timely manner.

Fractured front and back legs

If we talk about his character, then they are divided into:

transverse;
oblique;
longitudinal;
spiral;
fragmentation;
fragmented.

Any damage has its own degree of damage. bone tissue. It can be:

cracks;
complete fractures;
breaks.

If they a large number of, then it is customary to call multiple, if not - single. All this is determined after passing the X-ray. You do not need to resuscitate the animal yourself, as this can harm him even more. A broken paw in a cat and its treatment are simply necessary, since, possibly, improper fusion of the bones, and this will lead to the fact that it will be uncomfortable for her to walk.

To solve this problem, it is necessary that the veterinarian examined and sent for an x-ray. Only after that, the doctor will say with accuracy how difficult the injury is and what kind of treatment is ahead for the animal.

Fracture of the paw in cats is closed and open. For open surgical trauma the following symptoms are typical:

on the damaged paw, the integrity of the skin is broken;
muscles, bones and ligaments are visible from an open wound;
the wound is bleeding because blood vessels damaged.

Symptoms of a closed fracture are as follows:

painful sensations (in a state of shock when injured spinal cord symptom may be absent).
loud and plaintive meowing;
lameness and inability to step on the injured paw;
crunch on palpation;
uncharacteristic behavior of a cat (manifestation of aggression or anxiety);
swelling at the fracture site.

Fractures of other parts of the body such as the pelvis, tail, hips, jaws, spine, ribs are also quite common.

Symptoms of a fracture in a cat

A preliminary diagnosis with the conclusion of a fractured limb can be assumed by cat owners when observing a pet total absence resting on an injured paw or lameness, soft tissue edema in the fracture area, acute pain reaction, unnatural body position, limb configuration disorder (Fig. 1).

A fracture of the spine in a cat (Fig. 3) may be characterized by paralysis of the limbs, lack of urination, or vice versa, incontinence, depending on the location of the injury to the spinal cord. These are the most dangerous and severe injuries, requiring very careful and timely delivery of the patient to veterinary clinic.

Fig.3. Fracture of the spine in a cat, between the last lumbar vertebra and the sacrum.

The animal tries not to step on its paw, using the remaining three to move.
The fracture site swells and hurts.
The paw does not straighten.
On palpation, something like a crunch is heard - the sound of bone fragments rubbing against each other.

Fractures of the pelvis, tail, spine, jaw, hip and ribs are also quite common.

If a cat or cat has a paw fracture (front or back) - and the treatment of such fractures by veterinarians is the most common, you will see the following signs of a fracture:

the animal does not lean on the diseased limb at all
a cat takes care of a sick paw, an attempt to touch turns into a flash of pain, your pet may try to bite you
there is a strong swelling of the soft tissues at the fracture site - the diseased paw is twice as thick as the healthy one, a large hematoma may appear
the configuration of the diseased paw is changed, it seems asymmetrical in relation to the healthy one
a broken bone can be seen through the skin

With specific fractures in cats, other external signs- for example, if a cat has a broken jaw, she cannot eat, trying to open her mouth causes pain, the muzzle may lose symmetry. In case of fractures of the spine or pelvis in a cat, it cannot rest on its hind legs, they drag, and control over defecation and urine is often lost.

Diagnosis of a fracture in a cat

Diagnostic measures in the veterinary clinic should be aimed not only at diagnosing the fracture itself, but also at detecting pathologies that may adversely affect the general condition of the cat after injury or be a contraindication for surgical treatment of the fracture.

Diagnostic measures in a veterinary clinic for a fracture in a cat include:

general inspection,
taking tests (biochemical and clinical blood tests),
x-ray examination in at least two projections,
ECHO of the heart
in some cases, an ultrasound of the organs is performed abdominal cavity.

Very often in veterinary practice, a cat with a fracture has a polytrauma - a combination of injuries. For example, lung injury - pneumothorax, rupture Bladder or spleen, as well as the development of various bleeding in the abdominal cavity. In such cases, first of all, the general condition of the animal is stabilized, and when the threat to life has passed, the fracture is treated.

To accurately determine the location of the fracture and determine the degree of its severity, you need to take an x-ray. And also make sure that the cat has no more complex injuries. And, of course, all this must be done by a veterinarian.

X-rays and subsequently surgery are performed only with anesthesia so that the cat does not feel pain. The regent helps the veterinarian identify a closed fracture. Having found it, an incision is made and the bone is exposed.

The path to an active life

The recovery of a pet after a fracture largely depends on proper care for sick animals. Everything necessary recommendations gives veterinarian depending on the severity of the injury. It is important to conscientiously carry them out and follow the instructions, then the cat will quickly recover and will once again delight the owners with their cheerfulness, cheerful disposition and excellent health.

How Do Veterinarians Fix Broken Bones? Fracture treatment

The restoration of bone functions lost as a result of damage largely depends on the nature of the fracture and its severity. There are conservative and surgical methods of treatment.

conservative method

Conservative treatment includes:

setting the displaced debris in place;
ensuring the immobility of the bone;
creation of conditions conducive to good healing and regeneration of damaged tissues.

In advanced cases, it is much more difficult to set the bone in place, therefore, to relax the muscles, the animal is placed under anesthesia or local anesthesia is performed.

Open fractures are treated a little differently:

To begin with, the wound is cleaned of mechanical debris, treated with iodine, sprinkled with antibiotics.
Only after that you can think about plaster. Apply it so that you can easily treat the wound surface.

When is an operation needed?

Treatment options for bone fractures in a cat depend on many factors, such as the type of fracture, whether the bone is fractured, and whether the fracture is open or closed.

For open fractures in cats, external fixation devices are placed to avoid infection of the bone.

In case of closed fractures in cats, fixation of fractures is performed using various plates, intramedullary placement of pins or wires.

Treatment of a bone fracture in a cat can be conservative or surgical. Conservative treatment of a fracture in a cat is used, for example, in case of a fracture of one or two bones of the metacarpus or metatarsus. Also, conservative treatment of a fracture in cats can be used for an incomplete fracture of the forearm "fracture like a green stick", when only the radius no offset.

Most commonly used in veterinary practice surgery fractures in cats, as it provides early support of the cat on the diseased limb and provides fewer complications.

With a closed fracture of the hip or shoulder in cats, plate techniques (compression, support, limited contact, LCP, and others) can be used. For distal fractures, fixation with Kirschner wires can be used. In some cases, fixation of the fracture in cats with pins can be used.

For fractures of the femoral neck, the most commonly used technique is resection arthroplasty.

For closed fractures of the lower leg or forearm, depending on the type of fracture, plates or an external fixation device (bilateral single-plane external fixation device) can be used.

For closed fractures of the bones of the metacarpus or metatarsal bones, intramedullary fixation is used using Kirschner wires.

In case of a fracture of the spine or pelvis, fixation of the fracture is provided with the help of Kirschner wires and bone cement, reference wires and bone cement, or with the help of plates and screws.

Clinical case of femoral neck fracture treatment

Bengal cat Bonya has been limping on the right pelvic limb for 3 weeks. Therapeutic treatment did not lead to the desired results, and the cat was admitted to the orthopedic doctor E.S. Maslova. With the help of x-ray diagnostics and examination, an old fracture of the femoral neck was found. Bonya underwent all the necessary preoperative examinations and was prepared for surgery - resection arthroplasty.

Veterinary surgeon specialist in traumatology, orthopedics and neurology Maslova E.S. Veterinary anesthesiologist Orlovskaya Maya Viktorovna

Treatment of a displaced hip fracture in a cat

A patient with a very serious character cat Vasily (16.5 years old) was admitted to the Pride with a hip fracture with a displacement on the left pelvic limb. During the examination, a veterinary traumatologist decided to stabilize the fracture by surgical intervention with the installation of an extraosseous titanium base plate with limited contact.

This design allows you to fix the fracture well in order to achieve the best union. Removal of this plate is necessary only in rare cases, as a rule, animals leave it for life.

After a preoperative examination and infusion therapy, Vasily underwent osteosynthesis. He perfectly endured anesthesia and the surgical intervention itself, despite his venerable age.

Veterinary surgeon, specialist in traumatology, orthopedics and neurology Maslova E.S. Veterinary anesthesiologist Litvinovskaya K.V.

Treatment of an old hip fracture in a cat

A cat with complaints of lameness in the right pelvic limb was admitted to the Pride Veterinary Center for a month. On examination by a veterinarian Maslova E.S. crepitus and tenderness were found in the right hip joint. To establish the diagnosis, an X-ray examination was performed, the results of which revealed an old fracture of the femoral neck.

This problem can be solved by applying surgical treatment, namely resection arthroplasty (resection of the femoral head). This technique preserves the mobility of the joint without the presence of the femoral head. Chak the cat underwent all preoperative examinations (ECHO of the heart and blood tests) and was successfully operated on. All the time after the operation, the cat was under the close supervision of doctors and hospital assistants, as well as his anesthesiologist Litvinovskaya K.V.

Veterinary surgeon specialist in traumatology, orthopedics and neurology Maslova E.S. Veterinary anesthesiologist Litvinovskaya K.V.

The main treatment for bone fractures in cats is the use of surgical techniques with the use of metal structures (stable-functional osteosynthesis) open (plates, cerclage, pins) or in a closed way(external fixators), or a combination of both.

Currently, plaster casts are not used as a method of treating fractures in cats and dogs, due to the impossibility of fixation with this method fragments of bones in an animal, the need for frequent supervision of the presence of bedsores, as well as bone displacements.

A conservative method of treatment (the imposition of a splint or splint, restriction of mobility) is applicable to a number of incomplete fractures, fractures of non-supporting bones.

After a correct treatment of a fracture in a cat, the animal stops feeling pain after a while and begins to lean on the injured limb earlier, which contributes to faster healing of the bone defect and the formation of a small callus.

A positive outcome in the treatment of bone fractures in cats largely depends on the proper care of a sick pet and conscientious adherence to the recommendations given by the attending physician.

The cost of treating each individual fracture is considered based on the complexity of the fracture, its anatomical location, the cost of drugs for stabilization and anesthesia, metal structures (plates, wires, etc.) (Fig. 4, 5). Average treatment simple fracture a cat costs 6-10 thousand rubles, the cost of a complex fracture or a fracture in a hard-to-reach place can reach 20-30 thousand rubles.

Rice. 4. An example of osteosynthesis of a fracture tibia in a cat using a plate.

Fig.5. An example of osteosynthesis with Kirschner wires.

Before proceeding with the operation, the veterinarian should check if the cat has other, more serious damage. In addition, the doctor must take an x-ray to determine the location of the fracture and its severity.

Anesthesia

Before x-rays are taken, the doctor puts the cat to sleep using an anesthetic. An anesthetic is a medicine that prevents the animal from feeling pain. The operation to repair the fracture must be performed under anesthesia.

Fracture detection

X-ray allows the veterinarian to detect closed fractures. After that, the doctor can start the operation by making an incision and exposing the bone.

Paw pinning

Using a drill and a long metal pin, the veterinarian makes a hole in the broken bone, after connecting the two fragments.

The pinning of the paw takes place in three stages:

The veterinarian selects a pin, the length of which is equal to the length of the whole bone. Then the doctor drills one half of the bone with it.
The pin is driven through the bone until the rest of the bone shows up on the other side. Then the drill is moved to the other end of the pin.
Then the doctor connects the broken ends and drills through the second half with a pin. After that, the pin connects both halves.

Paw fixation

The veterinarian then turns the cat on its back. It is important that the foot with the pin is not subjected to stress until the bones heal, so the doctor applies a tight bandage. The pin will remain in the cat's paw for life.

How is the postoperative period?

The operation must be performed within 2 days after the injury in order to avoid re-fracturing. With improper bone fusion, a further problematic gait with painful manifestations is possible.

If you follow all the points that are provided by the veterinarian after the operation, you can achieve an excellent recovery and a calm time for the course of the rehabilitation period.

Postoperative care after a fracture of the hind or fore paw in a cat involves long-term treatment. The owner must not

just be patient, but also be able to support your pet. You should not scream and show aggression on such days, as the cat is already in a bad position. She needs peace, care and your attention, the only way to cope with this.

It's not the worst thing that can happen to an animal. But the owner must always be on the alert. A broken paw in a cat involves timely treatment to start at home, and then in a veterinary clinic. Each owner knows that maximum immobilization, disinfection and careful bandaging should be done at home. If it is not possible to pacify aggression, it is necessary to inject an anesthetic, then the animal will become pliable.

Osteosynthesis is performed using metal structures, with which parts of the bone are fixed to each other. Metal parts can be placed inside the bone (pins, wires), pass through the bone (screws, screws, wire sutures) or be fixed on its surface (plates). In addition, there are such ways of fixing fractures, in which the pins pass through bone fragments, and the main structure that ensures the strength of their connection is located outside the limb (Ilizarov apparatus and other external fixators).

Osteosynthesis is done general anesthesia. The doctor chooses the fixing structure depending on the type of fracture and associated soft tissue injuries. At the Northern Lights Veterinary Center, we specialize in complex fractures (comminuted, crushed, multifocal, gunshot). We have all necessary equipment and experience for their treatment, including with the help of external fixators and the Ilizarov apparatus.

As a rule, a cat after osteosynthesis stays in the hospital for 6 hours to a day under the supervision of doctors. Then suture treatment and painkillers are usually prescribed for 3-5 days. We advise to limit mobility for 4-6 weeks (cats can be placed in a large cage). The cat usually begins to lean on the paw 3-5 days after the operation.

After 3-4 weeks, you will need to visit the veterinary clinic again with the cat to take a control x-ray to assess the rate of union. On average, the rate of union, depending on the complexity of the fracture, varies from 2 to 8 months. After fusion, except in rare cases (intra-articular fractures, fractures of the pelvic bones, very complex fractures in which the fixing elements firmly grow into the common mass of the callus), metal constructions are removed.

First aid, what to do?

First of all, if a cat is suspected of having a fracture, the owner should ensure complete rest for their pet. If a spinal fracture is suspected, especially in the event of a fall from a height and an accident, body position should be maintained in space to reduce the risk of spinal cord injury. To do this, the cat can be placed on a hard horizontal surface.

In the presence of severe bleeding, it is necessary to stop it with a gauze swab or bandage, while cotton can not be used for this purpose. The injured limb must be fixed in the position in which it is located. You should not try to restore the configuration of the limb on your own; it can be extremely painful and can lead to additional complications of the fracture. It is very important, when transporting a cat to a veterinary clinic, to keep the injured limb or spine motionless.

In case of a jaw fracture in a cat, it is necessary to close the mouth and put on a muzzle, this will prevent further displacement of bone fragments and reduce pain when moving the jaws.

A cat after an injury must be taken to a veterinary clinic as soon as possible, your pet's life may depend on it.

At the appointment, the veterinarian will assess the degree of traumatic shock and the severity of the general condition of your pet, after which measures will be taken to stabilize the patient with further assessment and specification of the injuries received through an X-ray examination.

If your pet has a fracture, you should immediately contact your veterinarian, as this can cause harm and discomfort to the animal. Improper fusion of the bone will entail that it will be necessary to break it again.

Open paw fracture

The presence of an open fracture big problems. They pose a particular danger, since the animal has an open wound through which the infection will enter the body. It is important to urgently take to the veterinarian for proper procedures.

With such an injury, the bone is visible, and it can be broken in several places. Treatment is carried out according to the scheme:

wound cleansing;
treatment;
sprinkling with antibiotics;
plastering.

Why is an open fracture dangerous? An animal is not a person. It will not sit still. This is the problem with rehabilitation. In this state, the animal can harm itself even more.

Signs of a broken paw in cats:

change in gait;
nervousness;
local swelling of the legs;
a noticeable change in the shape of the bone.

Cats become aggressive and may not let their owner near them. You shouldn't leave it. The wound will not heal on its own, and the infection will cause the animal to slowly die from the infection. A cat's hind leg injury is a discomfort for the pet and its owner.

Such an injury is dangerous because tendons can be torn and ligaments damaged. Since the bones break, uneven edges when walking bring discomfort and severe pain. Because of this, bleeding is inevitable. If the pet is not hospitalized in time, a fatal outcome will occur. Timely response is very important in this case.

Bleeding

The presence of bleeding suggests the imposition of a tourniquet above the fracture site. In the absence of improvised means, it is enough to carefully rewind the problem area with a scarf or bandage. This is necessary in order to limit the entry of air into the wound. To stop the blood, you should pinch the vessel, but you need to do it extremely gently, since the animal already has problems with its paws, and increased pain will only aggravate the situation.

If the hind legs are damaged, the internal artery located on the thigh of the inner side should be clamped. You can do this with your elbow, observing maximum accuracy.

Treat the wound with:

iodine;
brilliant green;
peroxides;
betadine.

Limb fixation

A cat after a broken paw needs serious care. Since the limb was broken, now it should be fixed as much as possible so that the bone fusion proceeds in the required mode. In such cases, the following types of limb fixation are considered:

intramedullary osteosynthesis;
extramedullary osteosynthesis (plate);
extrafocal osteosynthesis.

The first type involves the extraction of pieces of bone using a fixative rod. The process is painful and dangerous, since the consequences can be very different6, destruction of the bone marrow is not ruled out.

The second type involves fixation with plates. This allows you to immobilize the animal as much as possible, which will allow the damaged ones to grow together without problems. tubular bones right.

The third type involves the installation of the Ilizarov apparatus for large animals. With small dimensions, one-plane external fixation of the legs is sufficient. It will be very uncomfortable for the cat to move, but this is the only way out for proper bone fusion and a speedy recovery of the pet.

If the cat has broken its paw, the owner must immediately provide the pet with the first medical care. The algorithm of actions is as follows:

1. With an open form of a fracture, it is necessary to first clean the wound from dirt and protruding foreign objects.
2. Stop bleeding. The procedure is carried out by clamping the artery with a small piece of clean tissue. If a large vessel on the hind leg is damaged, then it is necessary to clamp the artery on the inside of the thigh. When bleeding on the forelimb, you need to clamp the artery under the elbow joint.
3. Treat the wound with antiseptics. As an antiseptic, you can use hydrogen peroxide, miramistin, a solution of chlorhexidine or potassium permanganate.
4. Fix the limb. As a tire, you need to use a small board or a wide ruler. It should be borne in mind that the latch should be slightly longer than the damaged limb. Then you need to fix the paw on the tire with a bandage, tape or belt. You need to bandage tightly, but trying not to pinch the blood vessels. There is no need to bandage the open wound.
5. Prepare the cat for a trip to the veterinary clinic. It is necessary to prepare a piece of thick cardboard, a piece of plywood or board and put the pet on it in a prone position. The cat must be fixed in the region of the shoulder blades and pelvis with a belt or rope. Having placed a pet in the back seat of the car, it urgently needs to be delivered to a specialized institution.

A few words about an indispensable item in the owner's arsenal - a plastic carrier for cats with a removable top. If you suspect a fracture of the spine in a cat or any other fracture that requires limited mobility, such a carrier is a real salvation. The lid must be removed, the pet should be carefully placed on the bottom of the box, and then the lid should be returned to its place. Trying to shove an injured cat into the narrow door of an ordinary box is a real torment for both the pet and the owner.

If you suspect an open fracture of the paw in a cat (the bone sticks out or sticks out), you should not try to set the bone. Such manipulation is carried out only by a doctor and only after the administration of an anesthetic drug. The paw can be fixed by applying a splint without changing the bend of the limb: a plank, a branch or a piece plastic bottle apply to the injured limb and fix it tightly enough with bandages.

If the drive to the clinic is more than one hour, the bandage must be loosened periodically to ensure normal blood flow. But a broken tail in a cat does not require fixation, the pet only needs to be brought to the clinic, the doctor will do everything himself. Of course, along the way, you should be careful and carefully monitor so that the cat does not harm itself with excessively active movements.

If you suspect a fracture of the lower jaw in a cat, first of all, it is necessary to carefully examine the oral cavity: a sunken tongue or blood clots can lead to respiratory arrest. If blood has accumulated in the mouth, you need to remove it with a gauze swab. If the fracture of the cat's jaw is complex (the jaw is displaced, dangling or crushed), it is necessary to fix the jaw with bandages or a wire structure (a “pillow” of several layers of gauze under the chin).

A pelvic fracture in a cat requires severe limitation of mobility. If the cat tries to get up, you will have to keep it on the bottom of the box until you arrive at the clinic (you can not touch the injured part of the body).