Broken leg in a dog or cat, treatment in Dubai
A broken bone is painful but rarely the most dangerous injury after a fall or a road accident. Chest and internal injuries are checked first, then the fracture is x-rayed and repaired. Call before you set off. The phone is answered 24 hours.
- How urgentSame day, call first
- DiagnosisX-rays of the limb and the chest
- RepairSplint, pins, plate or external frame
- Bone healing4 to 12 weeks, by age
01Overview
What a fracture means, and what comes first
A fracture is any break in a bone, from a hairline crack to a bone in several pieces. If the skin is broken over it, it is an open fracture and infection becomes the main risk. Young animals heal in 4 to 6 weeks. Adults take 8 to 12.
The force that breaks a leg also bruises lungs, tears diaphragms and ruptures bladders. About 9 in 10 cats that fall from a height have a chest injury, often with no outward sign. So the first hour is about breathing, shock and pain. Repair usually follows 1 to 3 days later, once your pet is stable.
Out of clinic hours, start with a call to our urgent care line. X-rays are taken with digital x-ray in the clinic, and repairs are planned through the orthopedic service. There is no list price for fracture repair. It is quoted in writing after the x-rays.
02On the day
What happens at the clinic
Call from the car if you can, so the table is ready when you arrive.
- 1
Triage
First minutesA nurse checks gum colour, breathing rate, heart rate and temperature. Pain relief is given early. A cat breathing with its mouth open goes onto oxygen before anything else.
- 2
Stabilising
Shock is treated with a drip. Open wounds are covered with a sterile dressing. A lower-leg fracture may be supported in a padded bandage so the ends stop moving.
- 3
X-rays and scan
The chest is x-rayed as well as the leg, in two views each. Ultrasound looks for free fluid in the belly if the vet suspects internal bleeding or a torn bladder. Blood is run in our lab before any anaesthetic.
- 4
The plan and the quote
The vet shows you the x-rays and explains the options. You get the cost in writing, including implants, the anaesthetic and the nights in the clinic. Complex breaks, such as spinal or badly shattered joint fractures, may be referred, and we tell you so.
- 5
Repair
Usually day 1 to 3Some simple fractures below the elbow or knee in young animals heal in a splint. Most others need metal: a pin inside the bone, a plate with screws, or an external frame. A nurse monitors the anaesthetic throughout.
- 6
Going home
Most patients stay 1 to 3 nights. You leave with pain relief, written rest instructions and the dates for rechecks and follow-up x-rays.
03In Dubai
Things that are different in Dubai
Balconies and tilt windows
In a high-rise city, a fall from a flat is one of the most common ways a cat breaks a bone. Cats do not judge height. They chase a bird or a moth and step off. Mesh the balcony and fit window restrictors.
The season for falls
From October to April windows and balcony doors stay open for the cool air. That is when most falls happen. Check the mesh before the first cool evening, not after.
Road accidents
Dogs slip a collar near fast roads, and community cats are hit in car parks. After any road accident, come in even if your pet is walking. Internal bleeding can take hours to show.
A cat that fell and looks fine
Falls from the 2nd floor and above injure the chest, the jaw and the roof of the mouth more often than the legs. A cat that hides and breathes fast after a fall is an emergency.
Moving an injured pet in summer
Cool the car first. Carry a cat in a box with a towel and a dog on a board or a stiff blanket. Do not try to splint the leg yourself. A pet in pain will bite.
Late evening
The clinic is open 8 AM to 12 AM every day. After midnight the phone is still answered, and the nurse tells you where to go.
04Do not wait
Come in now if you see any of these
After a fall or an accident, these signs matter more than the leg.
Phone answered 24 hours
- Breathing fast, breathing with the mouth open, or a belly that heaves with each breath
- Gums that are white, grey or blue
- Bone showing through the skin, or a wound over the break
- A leg that hangs or bends where there is no joint
- Dragging both back legs, or no tail movement
- Blood from the nose or mouth, or a jaw that hangs open
05Afterwards
Six to twelve weeks of rest
Metal holds the bone in line while it heals. It does not make the leg strong on day one. Your pet needs cage or small-room rest until the follow-up x-ray shows healing. For cats that means a large crate with a litter tray, a bed and no shelves.
Follow-up x-rays are usually taken at 4 to 6 weeks. Exercise is increased only after the vet has seen them.
- Keep a splint or bandage dry, and call if it slips, smells or the toes swell
- Dogs go out on a short lead for the toilet only
- No jumping, stairs or play with other pets
- The collar stays on until the skin stitches are checked
- Call if the leg was being used and is suddenly held up again
06Owners say
Google reviews that mention this
Aswathi c11 months ago I took my cat Sky here for her spaying surgery. She felt so comfortable and safe throughout the process. The doctor is very experienced and took the time to explain everything we asked about. 
Ireta Murati10 months ago My cat was in such a critical condition, and thanks to Dr. Sara's quick response and expertise, she's now healthy and back to her playful self. 
Myrel Deligero7 months ago I brought Moonie, my rescue cat, to Petflix. She tested positive for Coronavirus and Calicivirus. She was given proper treatment and recovered. After that, she developed a fungal infection and underwent treatment again. Moonie has fully recovered and is now vaccinated. 
Gretchen Baltazar7 months ago They handled my 3-month-old puppy with patience and kindness. I appreciate the clean environment and the follow up reminders. Would love even more guidance on nutrition and puppy development, but overall I feel confident bringing my pet here. 
Jona J5 months ago I would like to sincerely thank Petflix Vet Clinic for taking such wonderful care of my cat, Ginger. Every visit has been a great experience, and Ginger is always comfortable coming back and forth. The clinic itself is clean, welcoming, and very accessible from my place. 
Eirahm Canoniza year ago We took Bella to the vet for her annual vaccination and grooming session. They trimmed her coat beautifully. As for the annual vaccination, the vet was thorough in explaining the different vaccines and their importance in keeping my dog healthy. The process was quick, and my dog barely reacted to the injection. 
adrian wilhem adriano4 months ago Just done my cat for his grooming and deworming, all I can say is excellent service, fast response on booking. Been using their services for almost 2 years. 
Amanda Lia year ago Good experience for cat castration with very reasonable prices, nice service, professional vet. Our cat recovered well. 4.7 / 5 · on Google, from 528 reviews. Excerpts from our Google Maps reviews. Read all reviews on Google
07Questions
Questions about fractures in cats and dogs
My cat fell from the balcony but is walking. Does she still need a vet?
How do I know if my dog's leg is broken or just sprained?
Does every broken bone in a pet need an operation?
How much will it cost to fix my pet's fracture?
Can a fracture wait until tomorrow if it happens at night?
08Related
Pages you may need next
- Orthopedics and fracture repairFractures, cruciate ligaments and kneecaps.
- Urgent and after-hours careOpen 8 AM to 12 AM. Phone answered 24 hours.
- Cruciate ligament injuryDog cruciate ligament injury and surgery in Dubai. Exam, x-rays under sedation and a written quote at Petflix Vet, Ras Al Khor. Call 055 620 4085.