Surgery
Fractures & Dislocations in Cedar Springs, MI
A fall, a car accident, or a rough moment at the dog park can leave a pet with a broken bone or a joint out of place. Cedar Animal Hospital provides urgent and emergency care seven days a week, so injured pets from Cedar Springs and all over West Michigan can be assessed quickly, made comfortable, and set on the path to healing.
Understanding Fractures & Dislocations
A fracture is a break in a bone. It can be a simple crack, a clean break, or a bone broken into several pieces, and sometimes the skin is broken too. A dislocation happens when the bones that form a joint, such as the hip or elbow, are forced out of their normal position. Both injuries are painful, and both often come with other injuries that need attention first.
Treatment depends on the bone or joint involved, the type of break, and your pet’s age and size. Some injuries heal with a splint, cast, or careful rest, while others need surgery with plates, pins, or screws to hold the bone in place. Our hospital uses the I-LOC bone repair system for the repair of fractures and ligaments. Dr. Lawrence Nauta focuses his continuing education on orthopedics and emergency medicine, and our team works together to plan each repair.
What to Expect When Your Pet Has a Fracture or Dislocation
When an injured pet arrives at Cedar Animal Hospital, our priority is to stabilize them and control pain, then find and fix the problem.
1. Triage and Pain Relief
Critical cases are seen right away. We check breathing, circulation, and bleeding, give pain medication, and look for other injuries to the chest, belly, or head that can come with trauma.
2. Imaging
Digital radiographs show the fracture or dislocation clearly. For complicated breaks or joint injuries, our in-house CT scan can give a detailed view that helps us plan the repair without sending your pet elsewhere.
3. Repair
Some dislocations can be gently put back into place under anesthesia. Fractures may be treated with a splint or cast, or repaired surgically in one of our surgical suites. We explain the options, expected recovery, and an estimate before we begin.
4. Recovery and Rechecks
Pets who need close monitoring can stay in our in-house ICU with 24/7 nursing care. At home, your pet will need restricted activity, bandage or incision care, and follow-up radiographs to confirm the bone is healing well.
Why Prompt Treatment Matters
Broken bones and dislocated joints need care soon after the injury. Waiting can make treatment harder and recovery longer.
Controlling Pain
These injuries hurt. Fast pain relief and stabilization keep your pet more comfortable and less stressed from the start.
Better Healing
Bones and joints heal best when they are lined up correctly and held steady. Early treatment helps prevent the bone from healing out of position.
Finding Hidden Injuries
Pets with fractures from trauma may also have internal injuries. A full exam and diagnostics help us catch problems that are not obvious at first.
Signs Your Pet May Have a Fracture or Dislocation
Call us right away if your pet shows any of these signs, especially after a fall or accident:
- Not putting any weight on a leg
- A leg that looks bent, shortened, or at an odd angle
- Swelling, bruising, or a wound over a bone
- Crying out, hiding, or not letting you touch an area
- Sudden reluctance to walk, jump, or climb stairs
Handle an injured pet gently, since even friendly animals may bite when they are in pain. Keep them as still as you can and support the body while bringing them in.
Injuries in Exotic Pets
Birds, rabbits, and other small exotic pets can break bones too, often from falls or getting caught in cages. Our team includes veterinarians who focus on exotics medicine and exotics emergency care, and we have dedicated exotic space in our emergency center.
Practice Highlights
Cedar Animal Hospital is proud to care for pets from Cedar Springs and across West Michigan:
- Urgent & Emergency Care 7 Days a Week: Monday through Saturday 10 AM to 10 PM, Sunday 10 AM to 6 PM
- I-LOC Bone Repair System: Used for the repair of fractures and ligaments
- In-House Imaging: Digital radiography and CT scan
- In-House ICU: 24/7 nursing care for injured pets
- AAHA-Accredited: Caring for pets since April 1993
Schedule Your Pet's Fracture & Dislocation Care Today
If your pet has been hurt or suddenly cannot use a leg, call Cedar Animal Hospital right away at (616) 696-1212 so our team can tell you what to do next and get ready for your arrival. We are at 3705 Gentle Way, Cedar Springs, MI 49319, across the street from Meijer, behind Aldi.
Fractures & Dislocations: Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I think my pet broke a bone?
Keep your pet calm and as still as possible, support their body when you move them, and call us right away at (616) 696-1212. Do not try to set the bone or give human pain medicine, which can be dangerous for pets.
Does every fracture need surgery?
No. Some fractures heal well with a splint, cast, or strict rest. Others, especially breaks near joints or bones broken into several pieces, usually need surgery to hold them in place. Your veterinarian will explain the options for your pet’s specific injury.
When can you see my injured pet?
Our urgent and emergency team is available seven days a week: Monday through Saturday 10 AM to 10 PM, and Sunday 10 AM to 6 PM. Critical cases are seen right away. Call (616) 696-1212 on your way so we can prepare.
How much does fracture repair cost?
Costs vary with the type of injury, the treatment needed, imaging, and hospital stay. We provide an estimate before treatment, so please call for an estimate. We accept cash, check, major credit cards, CareCredit, and Scratchpay, and we provide the records insurance companies need.
How long does it take for a broken bone to heal?
Healing time depends on the bone, the type of break, and your pet’s age. Young pets often heal faster than older ones. Most fractures need several weeks of restricted activity and follow-up radiographs to confirm healing. If anything changes during recovery, call (616) 696-1212.
