Fractures
A suspected fracture needs careful handling to avoid making the injury worse.
✓Signs of a Fracture
- Limping or refusing to bear weight
- Visible deformity or swelling
- Crying out when the area is touched
✓How to Respond
- Restrict movement — keep the animal as still as possible and never try to realign the bone yourself
- If it's safe to do so, support the injured limb with a soft, padded splint, such as a rolled towel secured loosely with tape or bandage, to prevent further movement during transport
- Move the animal on a flat, firm surface, such as a board or thick towel used as a stretcher, to avoid twisting the spine, especially if a back or neck injury is possible
- Transport to a vet immediately — fractures require imaging and professional treatment