Penny does not need to prove that it hurts.
Swelling Can Hide the Exact Injury
From outside, the leg may look obviously broken.
But determining exactly what is damaged requires veterinary examination and usually imaging.
The fracture could involve different bones or joints.
There may be more than one injury.
Soft tissues can also be damaged.
Blood supply and nerve function to the paw need consideration.
The visible swelling tells only part of the story.
The Paw Matters Too
Veterinary staff may evaluate whether Penny can feel and move the paw appropriately, along with circulation and temperature.
Those findings can influence treatment decisions.
A limb is more than the broken bone visible on an X-ray.
Muscles, tendons, nerves, vessels, joints, and skin all affect whether normal function can return.
Her Abrasions Tell Another Part of the Story
The scrapes around Penny's muzzle and chest may have occurred when her body contacted a rough surface.
But again, the precise sequence cannot be known.
The wounds need cleaning and assessment.
Debris can become embedded.
Small-looking abrasions can occasionally conceal deeper damage.
For Penny, the priority is not making the injuries look cleaner for a photograph.
It is determining what needs treatment.
Pain Control Can Change Everything
A dog in significant pain may become rigid, withdrawn, defensive, or unwilling to move.
Appropriate veterinary pain management can make examination and recovery safer.
It may also reveal abilities that pain was masking.
Perhaps Penny can reposition herself once she is more comfortable.
Perhaps she becomes more alert.
Perhaps she finally relaxes enough to sleep normally.
Those changes are useful.
But pain relief does not mean the fracture itself has disappeared.
Imaging Will Answer Questions the Rescue Box Cannot
Until Penny receives diagnostic imaging, much remains uncertain.
Where exactly is the fracture?
Is the joint involved?
Is the bone displaced?
Are there additional fractures?
Will stabilization alone be appropriate, or could surgical repair be necessary?
Those decisions depend on the actual injury.
Penny's posture can show that something is badly wrong.
It cannot show the complete anatomy underneath.
Her Small Size Can Help and Complicate Recovery
Tiny dogs place less absolute weight through their limbs than large dogs.
But small bones also require precise handling.
Bandages and splints must fit properly.
Pressure points matter.
A poorly fitted support can cause additional problems.
Whatever treatment Penny needs has to be appropriate for her exact fracture and body size.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution.