Broken Wrist-Sugery - YorkieTalk.com Forums

holls123 · 09-11-2013, 05:19 PM

Hi everyone! My name is Hollie and I am new to Yorkie Talk. I have used this site as a reference, but never have posted before. Anyways, I have 2 dogs-our girl Trixie is a 4.5 year old morkie and our boy Jager (prounced Yay-ger) is a 1.5 year old pure yorkie. About 3 months ago, our dog Jager broke his leg-the ulna and radius. I am not exactly sure how he did it, but we think he jumped off of the porch and just landed wrong. I had let the dogs out to go potty and ran inside real quick. We took him to our regular vet and she confirmed that the leg was broken and we were told that it was a spoon fracture and she had seen many of these before and he would have to have a soft splint for 8 weeks. We were told to keep the splint clean and dry and to keep him calm for the next 8 weeks. We took him in for a check-up at 2 weeks and were told everything looked good, clean, and dry (they just visually checked it). Then, he went in for his routine vaccinations 2 weeks after that and they visually checked the splint and said once again, that it looked good, clean, and dry. At 5 weeks, I noticed Jager had started to lick a spot that was getting raw. So, we took him in and the vet decided to take the splint off and do x-rays. Apparently, when she took off the splint, she said that the material was completely soaked and was not holding his leg in place so his leg had not healed at all. We were dumbfounded because Jager had never gotten the splint wet and he never acted like the leg bothered him. So, the vet gave us the option of seeing a specialist 2.5 hours away and warned us that the cost could range anywhere from $3000-$5000 and since it had already been 5 weeks without healing, it might not even be successful. Our other option, was amputation. She seemed to push the idea of amputation, even stating that is what she would do if it were her dog. To me and my fiance, amputation was not even an option. I just couldn't imagine cutting the leg off of a 1 year old dog due to a clean break. So off to the specialist we went.

We were both extremely nervous about what the specialist would say, given the fact our vet said the surgery may not even be possible. The surgeon answered all of our questions and acted like surgery would be no problem. They were able to get him in the next day. We picked up Jager a day later and headed home. The first 2 weeks, he wasn't putting any weight on the leg and it was swollen, but we thought this was normal. We took him in for his 2 week check up and the Dr. was concerned. He took an x-ray and everything was normal, although there was quite a bit of swelling and Jager's temp was slightly high so he figured he had a bit of an infection. So, they gave us some antibiotics. 3 days later, Jager was not keeping the antibiotic down. He kept getting sick after I would give it to him so I called the Dr. and he decided to put him on an IV antibiotic. He had to get 1 shot that day and then one more in 2 weeks so he was on the antibiotics for a total of a month. Jager seemed to be improving and was finally putting some weight on his leg.

However, it now seems like he is not getting better. He has just been at a standstill for a few weeks. He uses the leg about 50% of the time and the leg seems to be hyperextended a bit when he does put weight on it. I called the Dr. to see if we should come in earlier for a check up, but he assured me that it could be a few things, but it wasn't an emergency and we could keep our appointment for next week. Jager is not whining, he lets us touch the leg and bend it, and he does use it, just not all the time. He had a plate and pins put in the leg and I am just worried something could be wrong with the hardware. Anyone else have experience with this?

I know his healing is delayed due to the fact that he was in a splint for 5 weeks with no healing and because he had an infection. But, I am just worried since he doesn't seem to be improving much and we still have another week until his next check up and x-rays.

Any words of advice or comfort would be appreciated!

kimp5 · 09-12-2013, 04:01 AM

Gee you story is mine 8 months ago.
Jess broke her radius and ulna. The stupid vet put on a cast (turns out under 5% heal this way) after 5 weeks it didn't heal at all (big surprise there) so they suggested amputation. Like you we said "no way" and looked for other answers. I sent the xrays to online vet who said a specialist as did the stupid vet who said also it would be expensive, long and prob wouldn't work. (also the wetness was prob from the dog sweating, nothing you or the dog did. It eventually breaks down the glue)
Well we went to an orthopedic surgeon who did a plate, screws and bone grafts due to it being 5 weeks after the fact.(he also had to get the glue from the cast off her that was giving her sores, again due to idiot vet) He said he thought she would do well but the ulna would probably never heal but she didn't need it.
The one thing he told us that it seems yours didn't was NO WALKING at all for 6-8 weeks. I mean none. She was kept in a padded cage with enough room to pee and sleep. He gave us tranquilizers for when she was going stir crazy. I padded the tops and side of the cage so if she did move even a little she landed on soft pad. (used furniture moving blankets)
I was like a military sargent. She barely moved .We held her whenever we could or put her in a baby stroller to keep her socialized.
So 6 week mark he xrays her and is dumbfounded that not only did her radius heal her ulna did too! He told me two more weeks of confinement and then rehab slowly. I basically floated this dog on a cloud for 8 weeks lol.
Anyway fast forward to 7 months later Jess runs plays has full run of the house. She is not allowed to jump up on any furniture (just a precaution and she doesn't care) but has full leg usage. You would never know she has a plate. Your dog should be crated and not moving. no weight on the leg. Its really hard and I basically gave up going out for 8 weeks but now I have a fully healed happy dog. Please message me if you have any questions...

jeane · 09-12-2013, 04:17 AM

wow// I know how that feels// I had a Labrador retriever that had both hips replaced and that was a lot of down time and confinement and her doctor was 500 miles one way but in the end it paid off. But at least with a yorkie you can hold and carry around .

kimp5 · 09-12-2013, 05:29 AM

oh and if you think things aren't right DEMAND to be seen. You are the client and you are paying him for his services. Your with your pup every day. You know when things aren't right..
I still surprised he didn't tell you to keep your dog off his leg. I hope it all goes well

fyi Jess was one year old too when it happened.

kimp5 · 09-13-2013, 01:27 PM

how's the pup?

ladyjane · 09-13-2013, 02:23 PM

First of all, I want to assure you that YOU did nothing wrong in the beginning. I don't know why your vet chose to blame you. Surely she knows that a fracture of this nature has only a 5% chance of healing with a splint alone. I am not pulling that number from nowhere...it has been told to be by two different vets who don't know each other. And, her assertion about the amount of time is really not valid.....these pups sometimes need bone grafts after having a fracture for some time, but their legs can be saved. I also don't like that she pushed amputation since you clearly had the means to save the leg. Amputation is an option but one must always remember that if that choice is chosen there is no room for catastrophic injuries to another leg later. They cannot walk on two legs. (well most will not..I have seen videos of some who do...but I would not want that for my pup)

I am very sorry that Jager ended up with an infection. Because of the extended length of time he has had this leg immobile, it may take some time for him to regain full use....BUT if you feel something is wrong, it is your time and your money and you should simply make an appointment to see the specialist.

I wish you well...please do let us know how things go!

holls123 · 09-24-2013, 05:03 PM

Thank you all for your kind words and advice! Jager had his 8 week check up last week. It turns out, both bones have healed in his leg, so that was the good part. The bad part- he also damaged the cartilage in his leg. Our orthopedic Dr. told us that he thinks this actually happened at the time of the initial break. He said it couldn't have happened after surgery because the plate would bend or break before the cartilage would damage. He also said that he has never seen that type of cartilage damage in a small dog. So, now our only option is another surgery-carpal arthodesis. From what I understand, they completely remove the cartilage and another implant will be put in to fuse the joint surfaces. He will be able to walk normally after this is done, however, he will not be able to bend his wrist like he can now. It will be permanently in the position for walking, which he will adapt to when he runs also.

If only we had known this before, it would have saved us a lot of time and money and saved Jager some pain and suffering. Unfortunately, it is just not something anyone could have foreseen, unless of course maybe we had seen the orthopedic surgeon from the beginning when he first broke the leg. Jager has been so strong. The doctor wasn't sure if the leg was bothering him because he just never really shows any pain. Poor little guy is just always happy.

So, now he needs another surger-another $2300-$2800 and with this surgery, he will have to wear a splint for 6-8 weeks and basically be confined to his kennel. After all is said and done, it will be 6 months total that we have been trying to get this leg healthy with splints and surgeries. I just look forward to when he is completely healed and can live his normal life again. We have already taken precautions to avoid this from happening again-my fiance built a ramp for the dogs to get in and out of the house-no more stairs for them!

Thankfully, this surgery is not urgent and we have a little time to prepare for it. We need to get through our wedding next weekend and then we will decide when to do the surgery.

ladyjane · 09-24-2013, 05:12 PM

I am sorry to hear that they will have to fuse the joint, but it is still better than amputation. Yes, it probably would have been avoided if the first vet had not done the splint, but not something you can worry about as that is in the past. Just be sure to share your story here....it is one for people to learn from! I preach all day long about board certified specialists....while they may cost more, often in the long run it is cheaper and certainly much easier on the pup if you go to them first.

Congratulations and best wishes on your wedding! Please keep us posted on things!

holls123 · 11-05-2013, 03:44 PM

So we decided to wait to do Jager's second surgery on his left front leg until Spring. He will have to wear a cast for 6-8 weeks after the surgery and we live in Michigan so the snow will be flying soon and we figured it was going to be too difficult to try and get him outside when we have a ton of snow.

But, today we got more bad news. We have a lady that let's our dogs out at lunch time while we are at work. Today, she called to tell me that Jager wasn't using his left back leg. So, she took him to the vet and they said that he may have stretched or possibly tore his cruciate ligament. He has to be confined to the kennel for the next 6-8 weeks and is taking rimadyl once a day. She said it may heal on it's own, but if he isn't putting weight on it by that time, surgery will be the next option. I can't imagine having to put him through another surgery, not to mention we still have another surgery to take care of on the front leg. I really wish he didn't have to go through so much and it seems we will never get ahead financially with all of these surgeries.

Anybody else have experience with torn cruciate ligaments?

ladyjane · 11-05-2013, 04:46 PM

Yes, I have had plenty of experience with torn CCL's. I would take him to the specialist to make sure what it is and find out what your options are.

I do understand .. when it rains it pours. Things always seem to happen in bunches. I am so sorry.

Maybe it will end up being just luxating patella. I will keep him and you in my thoughts and prayers.

Here are a couple of links about luxating patella and cruciate ligament tears:

Yorkie Haven Rescue - Patellar Luxation Info

Yorkie Haven Rescue - Cranial Cruciate Ligament Tear Info

09-11-2013, 05:19 PM	#1
holls123 YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Michigan Posts: 3	Broken Wrist-Sugery Hi everyone! My name is Hollie and I am new to Yorkie Talk. I have used this site as a reference, but never have posted before. Anyways, I have 2 dogs-our girl Trixie is a 4.5 year old morkie and our boy Jager (prounced Yay-ger) is a 1.5 year old pure yorkie. About 3 months ago, our dog Jager broke his leg-the ulna and radius. I am not exactly sure how he did it, but we think he jumped off of the porch and just landed wrong. I had let the dogs out to go potty and ran inside real quick. We took him to our regular vet and she confirmed that the leg was broken and we were told that it was a spoon fracture and she had seen many of these before and he would have to have a soft splint for 8 weeks. We were told to keep the splint clean and dry and to keep him calm for the next 8 weeks. We took him in for a check-up at 2 weeks and were told everything looked good, clean, and dry (they just visually checked it). Then, he went in for his routine vaccinations 2 weeks after that and they visually checked the splint and said once again, that it looked good, clean, and dry. At 5 weeks, I noticed Jager had started to lick a spot that was getting raw. So, we took him in and the vet decided to take the splint off and do x-rays. Apparently, when she took off the splint, she said that the material was completely soaked and was not holding his leg in place so his leg had not healed at all. We were dumbfounded because Jager had never gotten the splint wet and he never acted like the leg bothered him. So, the vet gave us the option of seeing a specialist 2.5 hours away and warned us that the cost could range anywhere from $3000-$5000 and since it had already been 5 weeks without healing, it might not even be successful. Our other option, was amputation. She seemed to push the idea of amputation, even stating that is what she would do if it were her dog. To me and my fiance, amputation was not even an option. I just couldn't imagine cutting the leg off of a 1 year old dog due to a clean break. So off to the specialist we went. We were both extremely nervous about what the specialist would say, given the fact our vet said the surgery may not even be possible. The surgeon answered all of our questions and acted like surgery would be no problem. They were able to get him in the next day. We picked up Jager a day later and headed home. The first 2 weeks, he wasn't putting any weight on the leg and it was swollen, but we thought this was normal. We took him in for his 2 week check up and the Dr. was concerned. He took an x-ray and everything was normal, although there was quite a bit of swelling and Jager's temp was slightly high so he figured he had a bit of an infection. So, they gave us some antibiotics. 3 days later, Jager was not keeping the antibiotic down. He kept getting sick after I would give it to him so I called the Dr. and he decided to put him on an IV antibiotic. He had to get 1 shot that day and then one more in 2 weeks so he was on the antibiotics for a total of a month. Jager seemed to be improving and was finally putting some weight on his leg. However, it now seems like he is not getting better. He has just been at a standstill for a few weeks. He uses the leg about 50% of the time and the leg seems to be hyperextended a bit when he does put weight on it. I called the Dr. to see if we should come in earlier for a check up, but he assured me that it could be a few things, but it wasn't an emergency and we could keep our appointment for next week. Jager is not whining, he lets us touch the leg and bend it, and he does use it, just not all the time. He had a plate and pins put in the leg and I am just worried something could be wrong with the hardware. Anyone else have experience with this? I know his healing is delayed due to the fact that he was in a splint for 5 weeks with no healing and because he had an infection. But, I am just worried since he doesn't seem to be improving much and we still have another week until his next check up and x-rays. Any words of advice or comfort would be appreciated!

09-13-2013, 02:23 PM	#6
ladyjane Resident Yorkie Nut Donating YT 20K Club Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 27,451	First of all, I want to assure you that YOU did nothing wrong in the beginning. I don't know why your vet chose to blame you. Surely she knows that a fracture of this nature has only a 5% chance of healing with a splint alone. I am not pulling that number from nowhere...it has been told to be by two different vets who don't know each other. And, her assertion about the amount of time is really not valid.....these pups sometimes need bone grafts after having a fracture for some time, but their legs can be saved. I also don't like that she pushed amputation since you clearly had the means to save the leg. Amputation is an option but one must always remember that if that choice is chosen there is no room for catastrophic injuries to another leg later. They cannot walk on two legs. (well most will not..I have seen videos of some who do...but I would not want that for my pup) I am very sorry that Jager ended up with an infection. Because of the extended length of time he has had this leg immobile, it may take some time for him to regain full use....BUT if you feel something is wrong, it is your time and your money and you should simply make an appointment to see the specialist. I wish you well...please do let us know how things go! __________________ CLOUD NINE BEDS--YORKIE HAVEN RESCUE MY ETSY SHOP Last edited by ladyjane; 09-13-2013 at 02:26 PM.

09-24-2013, 05:03 PM	#7
holls123 YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Michigan Posts: 3	Update on Jager Thank you all for your kind words and advice! Jager had his 8 week check up last week. It turns out, both bones have healed in his leg, so that was the good part. The bad part- he also damaged the cartilage in his leg. Our orthopedic Dr. told us that he thinks this actually happened at the time of the initial break. He said it couldn't have happened after surgery because the plate would bend or break before the cartilage would damage. He also said that he has never seen that type of cartilage damage in a small dog. So, now our only option is another surgery-carpal arthodesis. From what I understand, they completely remove the cartilage and another implant will be put in to fuse the joint surfaces. He will be able to walk normally after this is done, however, he will not be able to bend his wrist like he can now. It will be permanently in the position for walking, which he will adapt to when he runs also. If only we had known this before, it would have saved us a lot of time and money and saved Jager some pain and suffering. Unfortunately, it is just not something anyone could have foreseen, unless of course maybe we had seen the orthopedic surgeon from the beginning when he first broke the leg. Jager has been so strong. The doctor wasn't sure if the leg was bothering him because he just never really shows any pain. Poor little guy is just always happy. So, now he needs another surger-another $2300-$2800 and with this surgery, he will have to wear a splint for 6-8 weeks and basically be confined to his kennel. After all is said and done, it will be 6 months total that we have been trying to get this leg healthy with splints and surgeries. I just look forward to when he is completely healed and can live his normal life again. We have already taken precautions to avoid this from happening again-my fiance built a ramp for the dogs to get in and out of the house-no more stairs for them! Thankfully, this surgery is not urgent and we have a little time to prepare for it. We need to get through our wedding next weekend and then we will decide when to do the surgery.

09-24-2013, 05:12 PM	#8
ladyjane Resident Yorkie Nut Donating YT 20K Club Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 27,451	I am sorry to hear that they will have to fuse the joint, but it is still better than amputation. Yes, it probably would have been avoided if the first vet had not done the splint, but not something you can worry about as that is in the past. Just be sure to share your story here....it is one for people to learn from! I preach all day long about board certified specialists....while they may cost more, often in the long run it is cheaper and certainly much easier on the pup if you go to them first. Congratulations and best wishes on your wedding! Please keep us posted on things! __________________ CLOUD NINE BEDS--YORKIE HAVEN RESCUE MY ETSY SHOP

11-05-2013, 03:44 PM	#9
holls123 YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Michigan Posts: 3	Update on Jager So we decided to wait to do Jager's second surgery on his left front leg until Spring. He will have to wear a cast for 6-8 weeks after the surgery and we live in Michigan so the snow will be flying soon and we figured it was going to be too difficult to try and get him outside when we have a ton of snow. But, today we got more bad news. We have a lady that let's our dogs out at lunch time while we are at work. Today, she called to tell me that Jager wasn't using his left back leg. So, she took him to the vet and they said that he may have stretched or possibly tore his cruciate ligament. He has to be confined to the kennel for the next 6-8 weeks and is taking rimadyl once a day. She said it may heal on it's own, but if he isn't putting weight on it by that time, surgery will be the next option. I can't imagine having to put him through another surgery, not to mention we still have another surgery to take care of on the front leg. I really wish he didn't have to go through so much and it seems we will never get ahead financially with all of these surgeries. Anybody else have experience with torn cruciate ligaments?

09-12-2013, 04:01 AM	#2
kimp5 YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Boston MA Posts: 890	Gee you story is mine 8 months ago. Jess broke her radius and ulna. The stupid vet put on a cast (turns out under 5% heal this way) after 5 weeks it didn't heal at all (big surprise there) so they suggested amputation. Like you we said "no way" and looked for other answers. I sent the xrays to online vet who said a specialist as did the stupid vet who said also it would be expensive, long and prob wouldn't work. (also the wetness was prob from the dog sweating, nothing you or the dog did. It eventually breaks down the glue) Well we went to an orthopedic surgeon who did a plate, screws and bone grafts due to it being 5 weeks after the fact.(he also had to get the glue from the cast off her that was giving her sores, again due to idiot vet) He said he thought she would do well but the ulna would probably never heal but she didn't need it. The one thing he told us that it seems yours didn't was NO WALKING at all for 6-8 weeks. I mean none. She was kept in a padded cage with enough room to pee and sleep. He gave us tranquilizers for when she was going stir crazy. I padded the tops and side of the cage so if she did move even a little she landed on soft pad. (used furniture moving blankets) I was like a military sargent. She barely moved .We held her whenever we could or put her in a baby stroller to keep her socialized. So 6 week mark he xrays her and is dumbfounded that not only did her radius heal her ulna did too! He told me two more weeks of confinement and then rehab slowly. I basically floated this dog on a cloud for 8 weeks lol. Anyway fast forward to 7 months later Jess runs plays has full run of the house. She is not allowed to jump up on any furniture (just a precaution and she doesn't care) but has full leg usage. You would never know she has a plate. Your dog should be crated and not moving. no weight on the leg. Its really hard and I basically gave up going out for 8 weeks but now I have a fully healed happy dog. Please message me if you have any questions...

09-12-2013, 04:17 AM	#3
jeane Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: montana Posts: 2,945	wow// I know how that feels// I had a Labrador retriever that had both hips replaced and that was a lot of down time and confinement and her doctor was 500 miles one way but in the end it paid off. But at least with a yorkie you can hold and carry around .

09-12-2013, 05:29 AM	#4
kimp5 YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Boston MA Posts: 890	oh and if you think things aren't right DEMAND to be seen. You are the client and you are paying him for his services. Your with your pup every day. You know when things aren't right.. I still surprised he didn't tell you to keep your dog off his leg. I hope it all goes well fyi Jess was one year old too when it happened.

09-13-2013, 01:27 PM	#5
kimp5 YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Boston MA Posts: 890	how's the pup?

11-05-2013, 04:46 PM	#10
ladyjane Resident Yorkie Nut Donating YT 20K Club Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 27,451	Yes, I have had plenty of experience with torn CCL's. I would take him to the specialist to make sure what it is and find out what your options are. I do understand .. when it rains it pours. Things always seem to happen in bunches. I am so sorry. Maybe it will end up being just luxating patella. I will keep him and you in my thoughts and prayers. Here are a couple of links about luxating patella and cruciate ligament tears: Yorkie Haven Rescue - Patellar Luxation Info Yorkie Haven Rescue - Cranial Cruciate Ligament Tear Info __________________ CLOUD NINE BEDS--YORKIE HAVEN RESCUE MY ETSY SHOP