Fractures

Broken or Fractured bones

 

Broken and fractured bones are one and the same thing. When the bone is partially or completely broken due to a traumatic event it is said to be fractured or broken. There are different classifications of break; complete, incomplete,simple and compound (or closed and open).

A traumatic event or impact is the primary cause for a broken bone. There may be pre-cursers to the dog fracturing the bone such as high levels of activity or aged bones but the actual break would be as a result of injury.

 

Symptoms

• Pain – especially when moving
• Swelling
• Deformity at the site of injury
• Reluctance to weight bear
• Resistance to movement
• Paralysis
• Loss of blood to the extremities
• Bleeding in the case of open/compound fractures
• Bruising
  
  Benefits of massage

 

Once the dog has been treated by their veterinary surgeon they will benefit greatly from massage and there are a number of ways that massage will assist their recovery.

• Speed recovery through lymphatic drainage/waste removal
• Increases the circulation through the body
• Reduces stress and anxiety
• Reduces aching
• Reduces stiffness
• Relieves areas of overcompensation on other limbs
• Helps prevent scarring and adhesions
• Reduces inflammation
• Decreases occurrence of oedema (fluid build-up)
• Reduces muscle wastage through increased nutrients
• Promotes range of movement