First Aid for a Pet's Injured Leg
How to Help a Dog, Cat or Other Animal With a Leg Injury
May 20, 2008
Serious impacts can cause leg injuries, but so can normal everyday activities like running and jumping, and this makes injuries to the paw, hoof and leg among the most common traumatic injuries in pets and livestock, so knowing how to properly detect and treat a leg injury can ensure a quick recovery.
“In a good percentage of leg and foot injuries, additional damage occurs after the actual trauma. And this makes treatment and recovery longer and more complex, so avoiding further injury is key,” explained Dr. Michael Levine, DVM.
At the first sign of a leg injury, such as a limp or abnormal gait, the first step is to visually assess the injury. Begin by visually examining the leg and foot. If all appears to be in order in terms of alignment, gently manipulate each joint, watching for any signs of pain or discomfort.
If the leg is not aligned normally, a fracture or dislocation may be to blame. Do not try to manipulate the leg and do not try to return it to a normal position, as this can result in additional damage to nearby blood vessels, muscles, ligaments and tendons. Instead, the leg should be splinted, which will limit movement that can potentially worsen the injury.
Splint the leg by securing a sturdy object alongside the limb to prevent movement. Depending on the size of the animal, various household items can be used as a splint. For an injury in an area where there is no joint or serious misalignment, a ruler, a wooden board or dowel, or even a newspaper (wrapped around the limb) can be a good splint. For an injury involving a joint or the surrounding area, or an injury where there's a great deal of misalignment, a couple of metal coathangers can be straightened and twisted together to make a sturdy wire that can be bent to the shape of the injured area.
Place the splint alongside the limb and using rolled gauze or a self-adhesive bandage, wrap the leg and the splint. The splint must be secured on either side of the injury site. Take care to ensure that the wrap is not too tight, as this will interfere with circulation. In the absence of traditional first aid supplies, strips of cloth and even tape can be utilized to fasten the leg to a splint.
For less obvious injuries, gentle manipulation and palpation of the leg can help owners determine the approximate site of the injury. Once the injury site is located, ice compresses should be applied to help control the swelling. Extreme swelling can impair blood supply and lead to tissue damage, so cold compresses can help limit inflammation.
“Ideally, an ice pack should be applied for 20 minute increments, once an hour. This will help control the swelling and pain until the owner can get to the vet,” explained Dr. Levine.
Confinement and limited activity will also help prevent further injury. Animals should be crated or stalled unless the owner is present and actively tending to the animal to ensure that there’s no running, jumping or playing. For dogs, walks should be limited to bathroom breaks only.
