Dog Head Fractures

Head fractures result from a variety of accidents from the head being struck by a baseball to being hit by a truck. If the skull is cracked above the brain case, the dog may live, but generally so much brain concussion occurs that the prognosis is unfavorable. If the skull over the brain case is not fractured, very often some other part of the skull is. A spot often fractured is the bone covering the sinus in the forehead. The sinus itself may be penetrated and infected. Your veterinarian may have to pick pieces of bone out, flush the sinus, and cover the hole with skin.

The arch of bone over the eye, which has a fixed joint through it, often breaks and presses inward, causing the eye to bulge. This necessitates pulling the arch back into shape, where it usually stays because the dog lets it alone after learning that pressure against it occasion spain. The eye generally becomes inflamed and may even be damaged so that it has to be removed.

Jaw injuries arc common. In our practice we have more frequently seen breaks in the center of the jawbone than breaks involving either of the bones (mandibles) which together make the jaw. The mandibles are joined by a cartilaginous attachment while the dog is young. With age they fuse together. When the break occurs here, it is obvious, because the jaw loses its firmness. If it is permitted to heal without medical attention, it often sets crooked. A veterinarian will wire it together so neatly that it will heal like new. Nursing on the owner's part is of primary importance. The saliva seems to prevent infection, so that no medication is required unless the wire is placed from below after the skin has been parted. Antiseptic agents should be used on the suture. The diet most be of a nature requiring no chewing - milk and mushy food.

As a responsible dog owner you are recommended to take care of your dog and should provide immediate medical attention the moment you realize that your dog has fractured its head. To find out whether the dog has fractured its head you should closely examine the depth of the wound and the rate pf bleeding. You should also find out whether the dog has fallen unconscious or not. You should take your doggy for a vet check up if you find that there is an abnormal behavioral change especially if touched.

Find out the head of the dog is looking asymmetrical or not. The dog needs medical attention if the nose or the ears of the dog are bleeding. It is also a matter of concern in case any clear fluid comes out of the nose and the ears and the size of the pupils are uneven.

As immediate medical attention or first aid you should place the unconscious animal sideways by keeping the chest and the neck of the animal at an elevated level than the head. Try to keep the airways of your pet clear but for safety you are recommended not to put your hand inside the mouth of your pet dog as the dog would be in intense pain and you are most likely to be bitten off.