Pelvic Fractures in Dogs

Description of the Condition

The pelvis is a strong bone structure that supports the spine and connects the hindlimbs. Fractures of the pelvis are usually the result of severe trauma and may involve one or multiple breaks.

  • Many pelvic fractures are complex, involving several parts of the pelvis.

  • Dogs may show severe pain, difficulty standing, or inability to walk.

  • The pelvis also protects organs like the bladder, colon, and nerves — complications are common.

  • Some simple, stable fractures may heal with strict rest, while many require surgery to restore function.

Common Causes

  • Car accidents (most frequent cause).

  • Falls from a height.

  • Severe blunt force trauma (kick, crushing injury).

Breeds at Risk

  • Any breed or age can suffer a pelvic fracture if exposed to significant trauma.

  • Young, active dogs may be more prone due to risk-taking behaviors (escaping, running into the street).

Possible Treatments

  • Conservative Management: Strict cage rest for stable, non-displaced fractures. Healing may take 6–8 weeks or more.

  • Surgical Management: Internal fixation (plates, screws, or pins) to stabilize the pelvis and restore alignment. Required in unstable or displaced fractures.

  • Supportive Care: Pain control, bladder/bowel management, wound care if open injuries are present.

Role of Rehabilitation

Post-Injury and Post-Surgical Recovery

  • Strict activity restriction early in recovery.

  • Gait retraining once weight-bearing is possible.

  • Gradual return to controlled activity under supervision.

Massage and Stretching

  • Massage to reduce tension in back and hind limb muscles.

  • Gentle stretching of unaffected joints to prevent stiffness.

Strengthening and Stability

  • Controlled leash walking when cleared by the veterinarian.

  • Sit-to-stand exercises to restore hind limb strength.

  • Swimming, once healed, to safely rebuild muscle without overloading the pelvis.

Measuring Recovery and Communication

  • Regular recheck radiographs to confirm healing.

  • Goniometry to track hind limb range of motion.

  • Owner logs to track progress, comfort, and mobility changes.

What Owners Can Do at Home

Safe Handling and Environment

  • Strict confinement (crate or small pen) during the early healing phase.

  • Always use a supportive sling or harness when helping your dog outside.

  • Provide a well-padded orthopedic bed to reduce pressure on sore hips.

  • Use non-slip flooring to prevent slips and falls.

Daily Care

  • Assist with bladder and bowel management if your dog struggles to posture.

  • Turn and reposition your dog every few hours if they cannot move on their own.

  • Keep surgical sites or wounds clean and dry.

Home Exercises (When Cleared by Rehab Practitioner)

  • PROM: Gentle range of motion for hips, stifles, and hocks to prevent stiffness.

  • Massage: Helps relieve compensatory strain in the back and forelimbs.

  • Controlled leash walks: Begin only once your vet approves weight-bearing.

Long-Term Support

  • Maintain a lean body weight to reduce stress on healing bones.

  • Provide joint-support supplements if recommended.

  • Expect some dogs to develop arthritis later in life — long-term management may be needed.

Monitoring and Communication

  • Watch for warning signs: worsening pain, inability to urinate or defecate, sudden loss of mobility.

  • Keep detailed progress notes to share with your veterinarian.

  • Follow all scheduled recheck appointments and X-rays.

Final Thoughts

Pelvic fractures are serious injuries, but many dogs recover well with proper treatment, rehabilitation, and careful home management. Your role in keeping your dog safe, comfortable, and following recovery restrictions is critical to long-term success.