Editor’s Note: There are times when the Hixson-Lied Small Animal Hospital Emergency and Critical Care must turn away patients because it has reached capacity with critical cases. A series of recent puppy patients was an example of cases that required a long-term stay.
Puppies will be puppies.
That means rough housing, squirming out of their owners’ arms or even just jumping off a piece of furniture.
That can also mean a serious injury for a young dog.
“Fractures in any of animal can occur but are not uncommon in young puppies,” said Dr. Kimery Hankins, surgical resident in the Hixson-Lied Small Animal Hospital. “We actually see a fair number of puppy fractures often due to the size of the patient and types of implants needed for fracture stabilization and the location of the fracture.”
This past month has been par for the course with three different patients coming into the hospital with a broken bone in one of their legs.
“As puppies and kittens are young and still developing, the bones themselves are softer with open growth plates that create weak points susceptible to impact trauma,” Hankins said.
Hankins said it may sound easier said than done, but owners can prevent such fractures by ensuring dogs are playing in a safe, enclosed area and are on leash when outside. Even as adults, care should be taken to ensure dogs cannot fall from heights to prevent injuries.
Despite a fracture, most patients go on to have a normal life. That is if repaired properly.
Which is where the Hixson-Lied Small Animal Hospital orthopedic surgery team comes into play. The hospital offers a state-of-the-art orthopedic service for small animals. Five board-certified surgeons, four surgical residents and one surgical intern provide expertise, diagnostics and treatment recommendations for patients.
The hospital also houses advanced imaging with a highly-qualified support staff to evaluate complicated orthopedic cases.
“If the fracture can be appropriately aligned and heals properly with activity restrictions that are adhered to until full healing is noted, the dogs can have a good quality of life,” Hankins said.
If the dog’s joint is affected by the fracture there is the possibility of the animal developing osteoarthritis.
“A lack of perfectly normal range of motion in that joint is expected but that should not severely limit the quality of the dog’s life,” Hankins said.
March 2026