Tag Archives: fractures

The Fracture Triangle

You’ve probably heard of the Bermuda Triangle… but have you heard of the Fracture Triangle? Your likelihood of breaking a bone after a fall is determined by three things: The fall itself The force and direction of the fall (how hard you fall, and what you fall on) The fragility of the bones that take the impact Falls are serious at any age, and breaking a bone after a fall becomes more likely as you age. Often there is a link between breaking a bone and osteoporosis — a disease involving the loss of bone tissue or bone density. If … Continue reading →

Fractures: Special Cases

Certain fractures need to be handled in a special way to make sure your pet has the best possible chance at recovery. Leg fractures may need to be splinted, especially if you have a long drive to the veterinarian’s office. Try to immobilize the limb above and below the break. Wrap a soft towel or cloth around the leg. Use a rolled newspaper or paper towel core (sliced open on one side) to cradle the leg. Do not try to reposition the limb; the splint is just to support it so things don’t get worse in transport. Wrap the split … Continue reading →

Pet First Aid: Fractures

Do you know how many bones are in a dog’s body? In a cat’s body? Dogs have around 319 bones; cats have around 244. Any of the bones in an animal’s body can be broken, and it usually happens as a result of some kind of trauma — like a car accident or a fall. If your pet breaks a bone, he or she may have other serious injuries too. Watch for signs of pain to clue you in to where the break is. Your pet may favor a leg, have difficulty breathing, or refuse to get up. There are … Continue reading →

Prevent Repeat Fractures

You may not even know you have osteoporosis until your bones are so weak that a twist, strain, or fall leaves you with a broken bone. And if you have osteoporosis, a break can be a dangerous thing. If you’ve broken a bone, that doesn’t mean it’s too late for you to talk to your doctor about bone mass and osteoporosis. Ask your doctor whether or not you should have an osteoporosis evaluation. The evaluation will include some questions about your medical history to determine your risk factors. You may also have a blood or urine test or a bone … Continue reading →

Preventing Falls and Fractures

Once you reach your forties and fifties, your body’s bone production slows down. You may be starting to lose more bone than you are regrowing! If your bone density is decreasing, you are at risk for serious injuries from a simple fall. So what can you do to prevent falls and fractures? In the bathroom: use a rubber bath mat in the shower or tub. Install grab bars in the shower or tub to help you get in and out safely. Pick non-skid bath mats. Soak up extra water outside the tub or shower so you don’t slip. Around the … Continue reading →