Fracture of the Skull in Dogs

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Section: Overview

Fractures of the bones of the skull occur after head trauma – usually a fall from a height or a motor vehicle accident.

The symptoms of a skull fracture are related to the area of the skull that is affected. Fractures of the nose and upper jaw region can cause difficulties in breathing and chewing. Fractures of the cheek bone can cause difficulties with the adjacent eye. Fractures of the part of the skull that protects the brain can cause neurological deficits due to injury to the underlying brain. Neurological deficits can range from minor to more severe. The potential long-term effects of these fractures range from none to lifelong neurological dysfunction and death.

What to Watch For

Injectable analgesics (pain medications) may be given to your pet while being treated in the hospital and may be continued orally once discharged from the hospital

Home Care and Prevention

Fractures of the skull usually require confinement and restriction of your pet's activity for several weeks. Bleeding from the mouth or nose may continue for several days after these fractures. If the upper jaw is affected, soft (canned) foods of gruel can be fed.

Neurological deficits may take many days to several months to recover (if they return at all). Nursing care is very important in order to avoid bedsores from pressure while lying down and skin problems from urinating and/or defecating while lying down.

A recheck appointment with the veterinarian may occur in several weeks to evaluate how the bone is healing (with new radiographs), to monitor your pet's neurological progress and make sure it is safe to increase your pet's activity level.

Many traumatic events are true accidents and thus unavoidable. Avoid the chance for motor vehicle trauma by keeping your dog confined to a fenced in area and walking him on a leash.

 

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