Calif. (April 3, 2006) –In recognition of National Pet First Aid Awareness Month in April, Veterinary Pet Insurance Co. (VPI) — the country’s oldest and largest provider of health insurance for pets — reports its top three bone fracture-related claims submitted in 2005 for both dogs and cats.

Cast or Slint
Number of Claims Submitted in 2005: 1,152
Average Claim Sumitted: $254

Bone Graft
Number of Claims Submitted in 2005: 1,065
Average Claim Submitted: $206

Intramedullary Pin
Number of Claims Submitted in 2005: 516
Average Claims Submitted: $972

Dr. Carol McConnell, manager of veterinary education and services for VPI, explains that there are a few different types of fractures for dogs and cats, including closed and compound fractures, and each is treated differently according to the judgment of your veterinarian.

A cast or splint can be used when there is no displacement of the bone. More complex fractures, or ‘compound fractures,’ need more support to heal. In these instances, the veterinarian may choose to re-align the bones using an intramedullary pin (pin that keeps the bone ends together), or an orthopedic plate. Additionally, some veterinarians may choose to use bone grafts, which seeds new bone cells at the fracture site.

Pet owners should seek veterinary attention if the pet holds his or her leg off the ground, walks with a limp, or doesn’t place any weight on its paw.

The American Red Cross offers the following guidelines for responding to a possible bone fracture or break in your pet:

• Muzzle animal.

• Gently lay animal on a board, wooden door, tarp, etc. padded with blankets.

• Secure animal to the support.

• Do not attempt to set the fracture.

• If a limb is broken, wrap the leg in cotton padding, then wrap with a magazine, rolled newspaper, towel or two sticks. Splint should extend one joint above the fracture and one joint below. Secure with tape. Make sure wrap does not constrict blood flow.

• If the spine, ribs, hip, etc. appear injured or broken, gently place the animal on the stretcher and immobilize it if possible.

“While any pet owner would want to make his or her pet feel more comfortable immediately following a possible fracture or break, it is important not to delay contacting your veterinarian. Follow what he or she recommends you do next, and do not try to set the fracture yourself,” Dr. McConnell advises.