Broken leg may need metal plate, or amputation

[yorkiemini]

Most strollers have a teather in them that you can attach to a harness on the pup.

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by Schmidtey

I really appreciate everyone's responses. This whole process has been very stressful and emotional. It is calming to read people's responses and hear your experiences. Makes me feel like we can get through this process.

I just called the hospital for a status update and they were finally able to get him to eat some baby food so that makes me feel better as he had been refusing food all evening after his surgery.

He is such an energetic puppy... I am a little worried about how I will be able to keep him calm and restrained. I like the idea of a stroller as long as I can restrain him somehow within it. I also might look for something I can attach to myself so he can still be with me and feel included.

So, you have made a decision to amputate?

[maxdog]

No they put pins in Archie. See his post at 5:59 PM yesterday

They were able to place two pins in his bone and growth plate.

[shelbysmom]

Originally Posted by ladyjane

So, you have made a decision to amputate?

OP wrote about his surgery, he has pins etc. see above.

[OwnedByJezebel]

No amputation, see the OP's replies #5 & #8.

[shelbysmom]

He is such an energetic puppy... I am a little worried about how I will be able to keep him calm and restrained. I like the idea of a stroller as long as I can restrain him somehow within it. I also might look for something I can attach to myself so he can still be with me and feel included.[/QUOTE]

Not going to lie, it is very hard, but possible. The short leash I used (so she could sit with me) is called a traffic leash. It's only 2 ft. long so I attached it to a comfortable harness and held Ali most of the time. When I put her down, i put her in her expen where she had her potty pad, bed etc. 2 story house meant two areas set up for her. She had very little freedom the first 4 weeks. A stroller is wonderful, we had one from our last dog. I clipped her in plus closed the mesh screen as a back up. Top Paw® Traffic Length Dog Leash | Leashes | PetSmart

[chestermama]

sending prayers

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by ladyjane

So, you have made a decision to amputate?

Thanks all. I must have been brain dead when I posted. I have had a sick pup myself and he was in the hospital so I have been a bit stressed.

OP, I hope your baby's leg heals well. Will watch for updates.

[EarthAngel]

Schmidtey, I am praying all is going well for Archie. Please let us know how he is doing, ok? We all care so much for everyone's furkids and would love to have an update. Hugs to you and Archie.

[Nancy1999]

Sending prayers for little Archie, hope he heals up well. Do you have steps or ramp for bed, this is one of the first things I taught my dogs, they had to use the steps.

[Schmidtey]

Thanks for the prayers and positive thoughts and comments. We picked up Archie last night from the hospital. It was kind of a long night for us. He was so excited to be back home, but at the same time a little out of it from everything that had been happening to him.

The surgeon said no running, jumping or excessive walking. We haven't let him do any walking in the house yet, though we have let him walk around outside a few steps to use the restroom. He doesn't quite understand what to do with his leg. The surgeon put on a splint and then wrapped it... it almost looks like a cast that they will have to change once a week.

Today he has been sleeping a lot. The surgeon said he didn't have to use the e-collar if he was on my lap and I could make sure he didn't lick or bite anything... so I'm grateful for the that because it was really bothering him overnight. I spoke to my neighbor who said she has a stroller we can use during his recovery. I am going to order one of the short leashes online to help keep him inside.

Thank you for those that have shared your experiences. It has helped us get an understanding of what to expect. Does anyone have a trick for getting a your puppy to swallow a pill? We tried hiding it in treats and food, but he quickly caught on to that scheme

[Schmidtey]

Here is a picture of my baby. His splint/cast thing is huge! It seems to be almost as long as his body... he can't figure out what to do with it.

[Dayswalters]

I have given pills in the past by crushing them and mixing with a tiny bit of honey...if that doesn't work and the pill is small enough, I have placed it as far back on their tongue as possible and then closed their mouth. Most of the time they would swallow it. Others might have more suggestions.

Glad your puppy is home😊

[Nancy1999]

I've never seen such a huge cast, is that so he won't walk on it? Concerning pills, I've found that if I take some mozzarella cheese and slightly melt it in the microwave and then form it around pill and let it come to room temperature, it forms a seal that they can't lick off, and usually swallow it without even chewing. I suppose you could do it with any cheese, but the secret is to not just wrap it, but to actually seal the pill in it.

[ladyjane]

Yikes...I have not seen a cast like that either...especially if a plate and screws were placed. I hope it is different on the first change.

I change what I put pills in. Pill pockets, cheese....canned dog food. Just keep changing so they don't catch on.