The most common reason fractures occur is trauma. Pets with fractures often limp and have severe pain and swelling. An open fracture is when the broken bone comes through the skin, while a closed one does not. X-rays are usually needed to determine whether it is a complete or incomplete fracture. A complete fracture is when the full circumference of the bone is broken, while with an incomplete fracture only part of the circumference is broken. Treatment typically depends on the type of fracture and where it is located, but surgery is usually recommended.