Signs & Symptoms of a Fractured Tibia in Cats

The tibia and fibula are two long bones that make up the lower hind leg of cats. Otherwise known as the shinbone, the tibia commonly fractures due to trauma or disease. Any broken bone can cause a substantial amount of pain. Cats will typically try not to show they're in pain when they're unwell. Knowing the symptoms of a broken tibia may help you recognize the condition and seek immediate treatment for your pet.

  1. Types of Fractures

    • The tibia can fracture in a number of ways. These depend on the nature of the precipitating injury or disease and on a cat's age. Greenstick fractures involve cracks in the bone in the absence of a complete break. The bone breaks and splinters in multiple places in comminuted fractures that are frequently seen in older cats. The bone may penetrate out from the skin in compound fractures.

    Physical Signs

    • Consult your veterinarian immediately if your cat has lameness and does not put weight normally on a hind limb. Refusal to walk or limping may be symptoms of a broken tibia. Check your pet̵7;s hind legs for physical signs of a break such as tissue swelling or a bone that has broken through the skin.

    Grooming Behavior

    • A broken tibia is a serious orthopedic injury. Pets with such an injury may experience drastic changes in their grooming behavior. A cat that is less clean than normal and has matted fur may have a fractured tibia. Contact your vet if your cat has general symptoms of illness, such as a decreased appetite and sudden alterations in sleep patterns.

    Symptoms

    • Cats typically mask their pain and isolate themselves when they are unwell. Observe your companion for behaviors that may indicate pain. A hind leg that is abnormally positioned can be a symptom of a fractured tibia. Stroke your cat to check for abnormal responses that may be signs of pain. Your pet may become aggressive or cry if you try to touch her injured limb.