Natural Treatments for Broken Bones in Animals

Healing Compound and Open Fractures

Fractures in very young animals will usually be less complicated than in older animals yet both can require the same remedies.

If the fracture is extensive enough or the traumatized animal is sensitive, the first remedy that should come to mind to alleviate shock, is Bach Rescue Remedy, in tincture form. Every  pet owner should have this remedy on hand, at home and in the car. 10 drops in water should be given immediately and repeated every 15 minutes if necessary. It can be safely administered with prescription drugs or any form of treatment, holistic or conventional, without interfering or causing side effects.

Veterinary Homeopathic Remedies For Healing Broken Bones

Next, a closed, "simple" fracture will require, Arnica montana to help alleviate bruising, pain and shock. Arnica, should be the first homeopathic remedy to be given. It is typically given for soreness and bruising, when the patient feels like "a truck hit me'. Pains are worse by the slightest touch (so the animal shows fear of being touched) and better from cold applications. Arnica is indicated in any blunt trauma where the skin is not opened. Arnica is especially useful to absorb blood under the skin (hematomas). It is also good for muscle pain, falls and accidents causing the animal to go into shock.   

After a few days, Ledum palustre will complete the work of  Arnica. Ledum acts like a combination of Arnica and Hypericum. It is invaluable in soft tissue bruising. In most cases it will completely relieve traumas after the initial use of Arnica. A keynote for this remedy is bruising that turns violet-blue-black. The pains relieved by Ledum are the type that improve by cold compresses.

Only after the bone is set, or ready to fuse in place, give Symphytum officinal. Symphytum, is the orthopedic specific of the homeopathic herb remedies. This remedy is of great use in non-union of fractures. It is the remedy that will accelerate healing of fractures. It can be so effective at knitting and calcifation that you should make sure the broken bone is aligned correctly (see your vet first).

When there are many fractures at the same time, after Rescue Remedy and Arnica, Silicea will be indicated to renew the "edifice sand", so to speak. Silicea will increase and re-balance the body's needed building materials and aid stamina in the healing process.

An open or "compound" fracture has to be attended surgically, of course, but after the surgery, Calendula 200c, dosed once a day for three days will help heal the wound. Calendula should be available in everyone's first aid kit. It should be routinely used after any surgery or when there is a cut or break in the skin. It acts as both an antiseptic (to prevent infection), and as a healing agent. It can also help control bleeding from open wounds. Just remember, Calendula is used on open wounds, never Arnica.

When there is injury to nerves, due to a surgical cutting procedures or broken bones, Hypericum can be used for pain and to help prevent infection. Afterward, the same remedies used for closed fractures will apply if needed. Homeopathic Hypericum is a great painkiller in any trauma which involves nerve endings: slipped discs in the lower back, also in the neck, crushed feet, toes and tails, also toenails torn away from the nail bed. Hypericum is for sharp, shooting nerve pains. In the past Hypericum was given successfully to avoid tetanus.

There is one unfortunate incident in which fractures are common or where the veterinarian will discover fractures in different stages of healing: the physically abused animal. In this case, after the fractures have been attended to, Staphysagria 6c will be needed to help the animal mentally resolve the indignation it had to endure.

In a case of fractured ribs, where the slightest movement of respiration will cause great pain, Bryonia will bring relief. Bryonia is a great pain remedy for whiplash and broken bones in general, especially if the animal is worse from the slightest movement.

In spite of using Symphytum, sometimes in older or malnourished animals, a broken bone will be difficult or slow to heal. In these cases, Calc. phos. will speed up the process. It favors the formation of callus, or the bony healing tissue that forms around the ends of broken bone.

Note: It is important to remember that only one remedy should be given at a time. Choose a remedy to begin treatment that matches the animal's most important symptoms. You can switch remedies if the symptoms change or if the remedy is not helping. You can also give the remedy in a higher potency if the remedy works well but it's action runs out too quickly. Just make sure to wait an hour before dosing with a new remedy.

For complete dosing instructions, suggested potency and additional treatment options, refer to Pet Remedy Charts. Homeopathy to the Rescue series for, dogs, cats, horses or birds.

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