Spring is a season of outdoor activities—and pet injuries.

If your dog’s game of fetch ends in a limp or they’re not acting normally after a romp at the dog park, they may need help from the surgical experts at Red Bank Veterinary Hospital Mount Laurel.

Why do pet injuries increase in spring?

After a long winter, pets and pet owners yearn for the great outdoors. But this enthusiasm and energy can quickly spell disaster. Here are some of the reasons why injuries are so common during the spring.

Winter weight and loss of condition

Winter weight and lack of physical exercise can leave dogs unprepared for high-intensity activities like hiking, running, fetch, and play at the dog park. This can cause soft-tissue strains and sprains, as well as elbow, hip, or knee injuries, including cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) tears.

Weekend warrior syndrome

Dogs don’t always know their limits and may play long past the point of fatigue. After five days of inactivity, busy weekends filled with outdoor exercise can strain muscles and joints, leading to soreness, weakness, and inflammation.

Common spring injuries that may require surgery

Surgical intervention is necessary for many common spring injuries.

Broken bones (fractures)

Broken bones can result from a fall or jump, a car accident, rough play, or sudden impact. Dogs with broken bones are typically unable to bear weight on the broken limb. Because fractures are extremely painful, pets will usually limp, vocalize, or refuse to move.

Surgical repair involves stabilizing the bones with bone plates, pins, or external hardware.

Cranial cruciate ligament injuries

The CCL is equivalent to a human’s ACL. This X-shaped ligament can tear or rupture during physical activity, especially during sudden twisting movements. Overweight dogs have an increased risk.

Signs of a torn ligament include:

• Sudden hind-limb lameness (leaning to one side or holding the leg up)

• Difficulty standing

• Sitting with the leg extended (sitting on the hip)

Surgical procedures used to repair CCL injuries include tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO), lateral suture, and lateral tightrope.

Patellar luxation

Patellar luxation occurs when the groove that normally holds the kneecap in place is too shallow, allowing it to slide in and out of position. Although this condition is inherited and progresses over time, spikes in activity can exacerbate inflammation. Some dogs may experience both patellar luxation and CCL injury.

Orthopedic surgery for patellar luxation involves deepening the patellar groove to keep the kneecap in place.

Other springtime injuries

More time outdoors means more exposure to wildlife, natural objects, and possible trauma. Common non-joint-related injuries include:

• Eye injuries

• Wounds and lacerations, such as bite wounds from pets or wildlife

• Oral injuries and dental fractures from chewing on sticks or rocks

In these cases, surgery may be necessary to preserve vision, ensure proper healing, or address pain.

Signs your pet may need surgery

While some surgical conditions are obvious, others may not be apparent right away. Seek veterinary care if you notice:

• Severe bleeding

• Signs of pain

• Visible bone or limb deformity

• Inability to stand or walk

• Persistent vomiting

• Deep wounds

• Severe swelling

• Difficulty breathing

• Sudden eye damage (squinting, swelling, bleeding, discharge)

Recognizing a pet emergency

Situations requiring rapid emergency care include:

• Hit by a car

• Suspected internal bleeding

• Seizures after injury

• Difficulty breathing

• Unconsciousness

Never take a wait-and-see approach—even if your pet seems better after an accident. Post-trauma adrenaline can make pets appear normal while masking life-threatening internal injuries.

How veterinarians determine if surgery is necessary

Whether you are referred to us by your primary veterinarian or come in through the emergency department, our surgical team will use a variety of assessments to determine whether your pet needs surgery.

Physical examination

The cornerstone of pet health evaluation is always a nose-to-tail physical exam. If your pet has a joint injury, our veterinarian will also observe their posture and gait.

Diagnostic imaging (X-rays, ultrasound, CT scan)

Imaging provides our veterinary team with a detailed view of your pet’s internal structures, including their bones, joints, and organs. These images can also be used to plan your pet’s surgery.

Blood work

Blood work helps rule out underlying health issues and also ensures your pet is healthy enough for anesthesia.

Monitoring

In some cases, your veterinarian may recommend trying a conservative (non-surgical) treatment plan before moving to surgery. Home care may include crate rest or reduced activity, medications, and physical therapy. Regular follow-up exams are needed to evaluate your pet’s recovery and to determine if surgery is needed.

How to prevent springtime injuries in pets

Spring should be a season of growth and exploration, not injury and downtime. Fortunately, many of these injuries can be avoided with a little proactive pet parenting.

Here are some ways to let your pet enjoy everything spring has to offer, while staying out of trouble.

Introduce exercise gradually

Start with low-impact activities and monitor your pet’s response. Don’t increase the duration, frequency, or intensity if your pet seems overly tired or sore after exercise.

Supervise your pet’s outdoor activities

Supervision lets you interrupt rough play and prevent dangerous behavior (e.g., digging under a fence, leaving the yard, wildlife encounters). Check your yard regularly for possible hazards.

Maintain your pet at a healthy weight

Extra weight puts more strain on your pet’s joints and increases their risk for orthopedic injuries. If you’re unsure what your pet’s ideal weight is or how to help them lose weight safely, schedule an appointment with your primary veterinarian.

Keep up with routine veterinary care

Regular veterinary exams and preventive care with your pet’s primary veterinarian will help detect early signs of injury, including partial CCL rupture. Early intervention can improve your pet’s outcome and prevent unnecessary pain.

From hurt to healed: Care for your injured pet

As the days get longer and temperatures rise, keep your pet’s health and safety in mind. By putting limits on your pet’s outdoor adventures and recognizing potential injury risk, you can help them play a little longer—and stay a little stronger—all season long.

Red Bank Veterinary Hospital Mount Laurel is here for your pet’s every need. If your pet needs surgery for a springtime injury, request a referral from your primary veterinarian or click here for information about our 24/7/365 emergency service.