Broken Bones in Dogs and Cats: When Fractures Need Orthopedic Surgery

9 October 2026

Broken bones, also called fractures, can happen after falls, car accidents, rough play, animal bites, or other trauma. In dogs and cats, fractures can range from small cracks in the bone to severe injuries where the bone is displaced, unstable, or broken in multiple places.

Because pets may hide pain or try to keep moving despite an injury, it’s important to take sudden limping or changes in movement seriously.

Signs Your Pet May Have a Broken Bone

Signs of a possible fracture include:

Sudden severe limping
Not using a leg or holding it up
Swelling or bruising
Crying, shaking, or signs of pain
A limb that looks bent or abnormal
Wounds near the injured area
Reluctance to move
Hiding, weakness, or unusual behavior after an injury

If you think your pet may have a broken bone, seek veterinary care right away. Try to keep your pet as still and comfortable as possible, and avoid touching, straightening, or moving the injured area.

When Fractures May Need Surgery

Your veterinary team will usually begin with pain control, a physical exam, and X-rays to understand the type and severity of the fracture. Some fractures can heal with a splint, cast, rest, and close monitoring. Others need surgery to realign and stabilize the bone so it can heal properly.

Surgery may be recommended when:

The bone pieces are out of place
The fracture involves a joint
The bone is broken in multiple places
A splint or cast will not provide enough support
The injury affects an area that carries a lot of weight or movement

Helping Pets Heal

Recovery depends on the type of fracture, your pet’s age and size, and the treatment used. Most pets need activity restriction, pain management, recheck appointments, and follow-up X-rays to monitor healing.

Veterinary orthopedic care focuses on comfort, mobility, and helping pets return to the activities they enjoy. At DoveLewis, our orthopedic surgery team works closely with families and primary veterinarians to diagnose injuries and create personalized treatment plans for fractures and other bone, joint, and ligament conditions. With the right support, many pets can get back to walking, playing, and feeling more like themselves.