2.8 lb Yorkie Broke his Ulna & Radius in Left leg
 

Hello Yorkie Lovers,
Today my almost 3 pound boy fell off the bed wrong and sure enough we took him to the vet and he broke his distal radius and ulna in his front left leg. We cannot get him into see the surgeon until Monday. Basically, I was curious to see if this has happened to anyone else and what they did for it. I am worried about the surgery because how little he is. Like even getting his fixed was worrisome because of his weight. Right now, until monday, my poor baby is just doped up on pain meds with a splint in it and he cannot move. I feel so bad as it is my fault why he fell awkwards. :( Also, if he does have to get surgery, what are payment options? I am a college student, so funds are not that great. We are hoping to just keep in him the splint possibly and let it heal that way. Has anyone ever done that? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Lauren, Greysen, and Ella

I'm sorry about your baby's accident and pending surgery. I have a friend, her 3 1/2 lb girl broke her leg coming off of steps. This girl did require surgery w/pins. She had to be crated during her recovery bc after the surgery she felt good and thought she could run around as usual.

You can apply for Care Credit, that's one option for payment. Borrow the money from family, friends, a bank...where ever you can get it. If your vet recommends surgery, have it done....don't try to just let it heal in the splint. Always do what is best for your dog!

Good luck....poor baby!

CareCredit Healthcare Finance - Payment Plans and Financing for Cosmetic Surgery, Dental, Vision, Hearing, Veterinary & Other Medical Procedures

Are you serious? :eek: :confused: If you broke your leg would you just put it in a splint and hope it healed right? :rolleyes: The splint is just to stabilize his leg until it can be set correctly! He needs to have the surgery if that's what your vet recommended!

The vet referred us to the orthopedic surgeon so we will not know until Monday what our options are. I was saying the splint option not only because it might be cost effective, but more importantly, as I stated in the sentence above, because the risk that surgery can bring with how little he is. Obviously I am going to do whatever is needed for my little guy. I posted on here to get advice, not to get criticized for saying that it would be nice to not have to spend $3000 on surgery if it is not needed.
Thank you Jencar for the great link to carecredit, sounds like a good idea if needed.
Please just pray!

Attachment 311807
here is my little guy :(

This pup absolutely must have surgery!! I have seen the results of people short-cutting and trying to avoid costly surgeries. Your puppy could end up with multiple problems if you splint this leg....and it will NOT heal. That much I can tell you. He could end up losing his leg. :(

You need to find a way to pay for this. I would suggest applying for Care Credit or another loan. I doubt you will find a vet who will offer a payment plan.

Also...please do not allow this pup to be up on any more furniture. I know it is hard and that people want to sleep with them and all, but it is dangerous for the pup! They do not understand and will jump off and hurt themselves. If your puppy falls again, he is at risk of having two bad legs that need surgery, or something even more severe like a herniated disc. There was a puppy like that on YT that broke one leg...was put up on a bed and he jumped and broke another leg.....ended up dying ... it was a very sad story.

Here is a recent thread about a puppy who broke its leg ... weighed 2 pounds and had the surgery and it went very well:

http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/sic...ained-leg.html

Oh...this thread started out about another pup....but the user id is kate07 of the person whose pup had surgery for a fractured leg.

Well I have to say that my baby Izzy broke both her bones when she was a puppy. My vet cast her and we cast her every two weeks for 6-9 weeks. She healed perfectly! Surgery is NOT always the best option. It always depends on the break and of course the vet.
I also am taking some of these reponses as very critical to the OP's post. She is here for help. So lets try and do that.
We are NOT vets and we are not in her situation. :D

I did reply to your PM

Excuse me, he broke two bones in his leg and she was obviously referred to a surgeon as she said she cannot get in until Monday.

You also are NOT a vet and your advice is scary. No one here knows what kind of fractures your pupster had...and you have NO idea what type the OP has. Clearly this pup has been seen by a VET who did suggest a surgeon.

She IS getting help and advice here! I cannot even believe you suggested otherwise. :rolleyes:

My little one Sadie broke her elbow when she was just a puppy weighing just over one pound. As an adult she weighs 2 3/4 pounds. she had to have surgery and they had to put in a pin. She did great, learned to run with the cast on, which was not a hard cast, it was just a cop-ban wrap. Today her leg is fine, she runs with the rest of them and never favors it.

Here is a picture of her in her cast.
Attachment 311851

:(:(:( oh no... I'm so sorry. These little guys have such tiny bones and it sounds like a pretty bad break(s) - the vet can't see him until Monday ? Jen had a good suggestion about Care Credit and I'd def look into that right away -

also see if you can find a referral from your vet to try to see someone without waiting....I had a bad break in my wrist and always have trouble with it due to me waiting ...I should have had surgery but back then I was young and a know it all ... it's always hurt only because I wanted the quick fix

I have no experience with breaks - but have read about many yorkies that absolutely had to have surgery..... I'd be so worried all weekend that he's in pain. Phone calls can't hurt right ?

My girls both sleep with me but are older....back when they were puppies I was so nervous having them in bed and had pillows all over the floor ....but even with pillows, a bad landing can still happen.

Hope his medication is working to the fullest - just be careful on the doses and follow those instructions carefully

good luck !! He looks so pitiful in his little bed. I hope you have a great vet/surgeon and he gets the help he needs ! He really is a tiny little guy..

I couldn't agree more! :thumbup::thumbup:

You have a window of time in the beginning for optimum healing. As time goes on, healing is less likely to occur. We have had so many sad stories of members waiting too long and missing that window of opportunity. When that happens, the only option is amputation of the leg.

While your regular vet may offer payment plans to established clients, specialists require payment upfront for expensive surgeries. You might want to check out this thread for help with vet bills:

http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/sic...vet-bills.html

Please read these threads:

http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/sic...oken-legs.html

http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/sic...amputated.html

correct - surgery is not always the best option - sometimes it's the only option.

As you said - it depends on the break, and from what was posted - it sounds like the vet feels this is what has to be done. No one is trying to take the place of a vet but it helps to hear from those who've had experience and sometimes just knowing others have been thru the same thing helps the one who's asking for advise

I can't see a (ethical) vet intentionally putting any dog thru unnecessary surgery (especially at this size) unless it's needed. We all have to remember when we add pets to our lives that emergencies come up - some are worse than others but they depend on US to take care of them -

To GreysenElla - all the best - I know you're beating yourself up over this but accidents happen. I hope everything works out for your little guy

Thank you for taking the time to comment everyone. I will let you know what happens from the appt Monday.

First of all I do no understand why you are being so ugly! I never said that the baby did or did not NEED surgery. I never said that he should not have surgery. She hasn't seen the surgeon yet. YOU were giving her a hard time for a splint. She is doing what can be done at this time! I never gave her advice and told her no surgery. She asked my in a PM what happened with my baby and I told her. My baby also broke 2 bones, but thankfully DID NOT NEED SURGERY. I did NOT tell her not to get surgery. All I said was that sometimes surgery is not the only option. (Actually looking back I said surgery is not the BEST option and that is not what I meant.) However, YOU don't need to be so rude! There is absolutely NO reason for it.
This forum is for help not to be rude.

No ruder than you in suggesting that others were not being helpful. :)

I hope the appointment goes well! :)

These are great threads that every Yorkie owner should read! Thanks for posting LadyMom! Soooo sad. :( Surgery is always the best option in my opinion and I think you'll find a consensus from others who have dealt with fractures theirs too. To me, it sounds like it's definitely likely needed in this situation. Why take any risk that could cause your dog his leg, life or greater possible complications down the road that can result in developmental abnormalites if not repaired correctly or if the repair fails. It's not worth it and will only bring greater pain down the road for both the dog and owner. I'm sure its not something you want to deal with too. :) Radius and unla fractures can have serious complications if not repaired properly. Here's some information on this type of fracture you may want to read Pet Place:Pet Care Information - Pet Information - Pet Health Information. Some vets will cast depending on the specific fracture type, location, and age of the animal, and mostly only in cases of very minimally displaced fractures, from some information I read. Not the case in your situation is my guess (I'm not a Vet though :)), but it sounds serious and is in a major bone with 2 breaks. Even with just casting I've read some instances where things only got worse unfortunately. Most orthopedic specialist and surgeon specialist will insist on surgery in a lot of cases. Make sure you go to a specialist (orthopedic/surgeon) and if possible one that specializes in small dogs and has experience with small dogs. I was lucky, here in Boston we have have one of the best Vet hospitals in the Nation that has a great surgery/orthopedic unit. Looks like you have a referall. Make sure it's a good one. :) Your little guy should be fine with surgery. I know it's such a concern with them being so little, but some good surgeons specialize in small dogs. A good vet will do a pre-surgery examination to make sure everything is okay and they may take some blood work too. That's a normal concern with him being so little. My brand new little girl, only having her for 3 days, broke her tibia and fibula almost 2 weeks ago (jumped out of my arms while briging her down steps outside) and underwent surgery at 11 1/2 weeks old and she's only 2 pounds 1 oz. She's doing wonderful so far! I now will make sure to carry her outside and down the steps only in her carrier and place it on the ground before taking her out. Or holding her correctly - I've read that you are suppose to hold them with their legs facing out with your arms under their 2 front legs and another hand under their bottom. I was holding her like one would hold burping a baby.

Also, Care Credit is a great option and just something to have and sign up for even if you don't have an emergency currently with your dog. I had the money for my girls surgery, but a lot of people may not or be college students like yourself and without Care Credit or Insurance (I believe) will have to pay up front the total costs - in most cases. It's unfortunate but the case in most situations. You may also want to think about setting up a "vet-fund" for your little guy and trying to put money aside each month incase of future accidents (hopefully that won't be the case :)), but it's always a good idea especially if you're a college student or something. :) Anyways I hope everything goes well for your little guy and you're able to get him the best possible treatment and everything turns out okay! Don't forget to keep everyone updated.

Here's 2 pictures of Shylo recovering.

http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/pic...ictureid=85750

http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/pic...ictureid=85749

Aww, poor little guy.

Awhile back my Brownie broke his leg, it was his back leg though. I thought you could cast it and it would be fine. But the vet said no that with toy breeds they usually require surgery to repair the leg because their bones are so small and don't heal like larger breeds.
He broke his leg pretty bad, the vet said the bones were like a cork screw?

I really don't think you could just get by with a cast especially if they recommend it.
But I am curious as to why they sent you to a specialist instead of doing it themselves?
A specialist is great but also twice as expensive.

Brownie is 3.5lbs and had surgery to have a pin put in. He did great with the surgery. The hardest part was keeping him still and confined for a couple months. They can't move much when you have a pin put in as it can cause the pin to slip so you have to be very careful to keep them still.

It's been a few months now since they took the pin out and he is doing fantastic. You wouldn't know there was ever anything wrong.

Good luck with your little guy, I hope all goes well for him and he is fully recovered in no time!!

A specialist was recommended I am quite sure because the vet she saw realizes he has limits. Some vets will perform such surgeries but most will refer to specialists for good reason.

I have a foster who suffered the results of a vet performing a surgery for a client who was bargain shopping. His name is Rookie and he had an operation by a regular practice vet that was inadequate and did not heal. He suffered for six months and then needed a bone graft, pin, plate and screws; and had to be crated for months! Thankfully, he is ok, although NOW his leg is shorter and he has a bit of a limp. In order to do the bone graft they had to cut away bone. :(

I would never allow a regular vet to perform orthopedic sugery on any of my pups. I would say that you got lucky!

Ouch, poor baby!! That sounds very painful.

Although my vet isn't a specialist they are very good in that sort of area and have performed that surgery many times before. I guess I just take them for granted at times and forgot for the moment that not all vets are good in surgery.
I didn't get lucky, my vet knew what he was doing.

There was a Pomeranian there who got attacked that had to have a similar surgeries as well as a few others. Such a sweet little girl but she was practically stitched up from head to toe from a shepherd getting a hold of her. Very lucky to be alive but it broke my heart as she was just the sweetest little thing.

I know of one vet in my area who has an excellent reputation for doing surgeries...matter of fact that is all he does. So, yes, some are very good; but as a rule, you are much better off with a specialist imo.

Yes, you are lucky to have a good vet! :)

Poor little Pom...yes, it is good she lived. I am sure her owners were horrified.

Yes I too agree specialists are better. But from the sounds of it the OP is in quite a financial dilemma. I was just curious as to why they automatically referred her and to state there are some regular vets who are qualified that may be a more affordable route to go if that option is available for the OP. I do hope they are able to afford the specialist but if not it does help knowing you could go a different route if that option is available for you.

Actually I believe Ohio State might be an option to look into as well. They have a lot of vets that specialize in different areas and their prices are way more affordable. Plus they are so great with your pet, they really care.

The pup obviously needs surgery and I hope he gets it but I do understand the financial aspect of it as well.


Yes the pom was lucky in more ways than one. The owners of the shepherd paid for all expenses which rarely happens.

Ohio State actually might be a great suggestion. Maybe they have a payment plan.

ALSO......they might have a fund for students. You never know!

I know that Texas A&M has a fund for college students...your post reminded me of that. When I was there I met a gal whose pup was operated on at a very reduced rate because she was a college student. Definitely something for the OP to look into.

Another thing....Texas A&M requires 50% down and makes a monthly payment (usually over six months I believe) plan with the rest of the bill.

I am SO glad you mentioned Ohio State....hope the OP see this! Definitely worth looking in to! :)

Lauren,

I see that you are in the Cincinnati area. I live in Lebanon.

I have a wonderful vet that I have known for 20 years. If you want another opinion or another referral for a surgeon, I would strongly suggest and recommend that you call him!

Dr. Jeff Werwa
761-8387

He's in Deer Park/Blue Ash/Kenwood area.
I hope your baby is ok!!

Hi Lauren, I am so sorry about your little Graysen and his picture is just heartbreaking. I feel very privileged to have met you both at the Cincinnati Meet-Ups, that you have worked so hard to pull together.

Anyway, you both are in my thoughts and prayers. Please let us know how it goes with the specialist tomorrow. Are you going to the Tennessee Avenue Clinic? (If so they come highly recommended by other members on YT.)

Sending hugs....

My little girl Madison broke the same bones in her front left last year, jumping off the couch. She was at the vet, in surgery to reset the leg, and back home within 2 hours. She recovered wonderfully, although she did have to have her splint and cast for about 3 months, and another month of confinement when she first got the splint taken off. She is doing great today, her leg is just as strong as it was before the break. I am sure your baby will do just fine, just make sure to follow the exact instructions that your vet gives you after the surgery and in the months to follow. One wrong move could cause the leg to snap again. Until the bones are completely healed they are much more prone to another break. Good luck to you and your baby boy.

I am glad that you have an appointment monday. The distal portion of the Ulna and Radius are the portions near the paw, where all of the weight is distributed when walking/running. Having issues it that area would interrupt the gait of your pup. Definitely a good idea to be there monday!:thumbup:

Please keep us updated!