How do I know if my dog has a broken bone?

[Dputiger]

Ok, odd place to post this kind of question, but hey, I've found everything ELSE here.

My little JRT (Chance) got beat up by a German shepherd today--luckily help arrived before any serious damage was done, but now Chance is refusing to put his right-front paw on the ground. He hops along with it held close to his body. There does not seem to be any damage to the paw (it can bend and flex) but the area up near the shoulder joint (and on the side) seems fairly tender / sore, and he does not like it touched or moved.

I am trying to determine if he has a sprain or a break and what should be done either way.

take it to the vet, thats the best bet just in case if there is something wrong they can correct it before it causes more damage

[daveleau]

Sorry to hear that. I would suggest taking him to a Vet. He can feel the dog's leg and gauge the dog's rection to see if x-rays are needed. I don't think you can't tell if the bone is broken yourself. I hope Chance is alright.

[xenon200]

Please don't try to determine whether or not it's broken yourself. Take him to the vet.

~x2

[Brainchild]

My vote is vet as well, those crazy canines are human afterall. Well mine are

[thekingofpain]

Animals can sometimes be ultra resilient and bounce back from a simple injury---but a performance pal like Chance (who has the ferocity to mix it up with the Shepard) may benefit from a run-by the Doc---just for your own peace of mind, and the well being of your prized pet...

[MegalosSkylaki]

"..those crazy canines.."--BRAINCHILD

[Curtesy of Knothead...I think... V-V-V-V]

HUH ?

[MegalosSkylaki]

As the humanoid Servent of this Fine PooCH Chance ,it is your especial duty to take him to a Vetinarian**. And YOU pay !

[**These are doctors who treat da Beautiful and da Sublime.]

It's only fair.

Chance may give you more licks as a reward for goodly humanoid service.

[I'll send word out on the CaaTVine ]

Where's Angelcat ?

D G

[NeoStarO1]

So did the pup get to the vet? I hope all is well. let us know.

[gjimene2]

first take him to the vet, then shoot the other dog

I love dogs, but I hate dogs that are bullies