Broken Legs in Working Dogs

So far 2026 has been a year of orthopaedics. Fracture & joint repairs in good working dogs is a true passion of ours. Injury rates predictably rise when the district is working wet cows and weaners, and this summer has been a shocker with the dry season.

Successful fracture management is a balance. Surgical plans need to be strong and stable enough to withstand the demands of a high-drive working dog, while remaining realistic about prognosis, cost and expected athletic outcome. Not every fracture — or every dog — is suited to advanced repair, but many can return to meaningful work with appropriate fixation, rehabilitation and owner commitment.

Together we need to look at:

• Fracture type and location

• Soft tissue damage and contamination

• Dog temperament/compliance ie. it’s ability to cope with 2-3 months of forced rest without turning cage mad

• Expected future workload

• Expectations and budget

Modern fixation techniques (locking plates, interlocking nails, external fixation) allow stable repair and earlier controlled limb use giving us opportunities not previously possible for returning dogs to the team. However, the rest and rehabilitation phase and a controlled return to work are just as important as the surgery itself. 

Pre & post-op X-rays on a young kelpie bitch with a severe femur fracture. The dog is now back at full work. 

What to do when a Working Dog Breaks a Leg

1. Confine immediately. Pick-up and cage the dog. Or clip it to a fence and come back.

   
   

2. Apply a light padded bandage to stabilise. A temporary splint (firm plank, PVC, poly) can help limit motion, but avoid excessive manipulation.

3. Keep the dog calm and warm. Shock is common with significant trauma.

4. Give pain medication in stable (not shocky) dogs only. Meloxicam or paracetamol at the correct dose.

5. Keep us in the loop. Get in touch so we can see the dog, x-ray and make a plan. Many fractures aren’t emergent in that they need seeing within the hour, but we do like the opportunity to stabilise within the day, and if surgery is warranted, proceed within the next several days while the break is fresh.