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Leg Fracture
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A leg fracture can occur from a trauma or accident. They are usually very painful and not fatal. There are 2 kinds of fractures, an open fracture indicating a bone protruding through the skin and a closed fracture where the bone remains in the tissue. It is important to get immediate medical help because sharp bone ends can cause damage to surrounding tissue.

Symptoms

Steps
1   Check ABC’s of life support--Airway, breathing, circulation. Can you see, feel, or hear your pet breathing? If your pet is not breathing, begin rescue breathing immediately.
2   If your pet is non-responsive and has stopped breathing, be prepared to give artificial respiration by closing your dog’s mouth with one or two hands and gently breathe into your dog’s nostrils.
3   Administer 5-10 breaths per minute for large dogs and 10-20 breaths per minute for small dogs. With each breath, one should see the chest slightly rise.
4   Keep breathing for your dog until he/she is able to breathe on its own or until veterinary help is available.
5   Check that your dog’s heart is still beating by feeling for the heart on your dog’s chest and/or feeling for your dog’s pulse. (The pulse is easily felt in the femoral artery located on the inside of the thigh.)
6   If no pulse or heart beat is felt, begin CPR.
7   Check for broken bones. If there is an obvious injury occurring below the elbow joint (located on the front limbs) or below the knee joint (located on the rear limbs), a splint can be applied to temporarily stabilize the injured limb until veterinary help is available.
8   Split the injured limb by securing it with a firm material such as a rolled up newspaper or magazine placed on the inside and outside of the limb.
9   Wrap the leg with an elastic bandage like an Ace bandage to hold the splint together
10   Start wrapping from the foot, leaving the toes exposed and move up until you have covered the whole leg
11   Prior to transport if available, you can provide extra stabilization by using a plywood or solid object as a stretcher. Ensure your dog does not fall off by securing him to the board with tape or rope.
12   Take him to the vet as soon as possible
Warnings
Be aware of your personal safety. Animals in pain will often bite or hurt their well-meaning owner. Be prepared to restrain your dog by wrapping it in a towel or applying a muzzle so that you can administer first aid care.
DO NOT attempt to apply a splint to a broken bone without proper restraint
DO NOT attempt to splint a broken bone if you are unsure where the injury is as splints placed incorrectly can cause more injury
DO NOT worry about splinting the leg if he is in shock or unconscious, instead get him to the vet immediately
DO NOT straighten or reposition the fracture
DO NOT make the bandage too tight so that it doesn't cut off circulation
Tips
You may also use saran wrap to hold the newspaper splint together
Make sure to monitor for swelling
Try to keep your dog calm by speaking with soothing words or gently stroking him
Signs of shock may include weakness, collapse, pale or grey colored gums, irregular breathing, high heart rate, weak pulse and body temperature changes (e.g. very cold or very hot)

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GotoAID does not provide any medical advice or treatment, it is solely for informational purposes only