Broken leg may need metal plate, or amputation - YorkieTalk.com Forums

Schmidtey · 03-19-2015, 05:05 AM

Hi. Last night my five month old 4.4 pound puppy (Archie) took a flying leap of my bed and instantly started crying. I took him right to my regular vet clinic where a doctor (not my usual one) took an x-ray and examined him. The x-ray showed he broke both bones in his upper left leg. She said it was a bad break because it was so close to the joint. She told me to take him right away to an emergency vet 1.5 hours away that has board certified surgeons, as she thought he would need a metal plate and screws to help his bones heal.

When we arrived at 8 pm the surgeons had gone home for the day so he was seen by an emergency vet. The emergency vet said that in 18 years he has never seen that kind of break. He admitted Archie to the hospital for over night pain care and said that a surgeon would see him in the morning.

We asked for his opinion and he said that he is not a surgeon but based on the one x-ray that we arrived with, he thought there might be a slim chance that the surgeons would not be able to operate on him since the break is so close to the joint and growth plates, there may not be something to attach the metal plate into. He said if that is the case the surgeon may recommend amputating the leg.

Has anyone had any experience with broken dog bones that have needed metal plates and screws or amputation? I would love some feedback as to what you went through, dogs recovery time, and how the dog has been doing after the surgery? Also, any and all prayers welcome!

Thank you!

maxdog · 03-19-2015, 05:10 AM

Sasha just had an FHO due to Legges-Perthes done 2 weeks ago but amputation was never brought up. Our prayers are with you and your little one.

ChibiLuv · 03-19-2015, 06:34 AM

I work still an animal shelter where we often get in animals who have to have badly broken legs removed. I wouldn't worry about it, if removing it is the best option then you should remove it. 3 legged dogs get along just fine. I've seen 3 legends run and jump and twirl around in circles, they are often just so happy to be free of the leg that hurt. Maybe they can save the leg but if they can't don't be too sad, little tripods do just great.

Kerryn915 · 03-19-2015, 06:38 AM

My 10 month old 4 lb boy broke his leg last February. His was closer to the wrist and also both the ulna and radius. His options were surgery or amputation. We had the orthopedic surgeon do the surgery and pins were placed inside. It took 4.5 months with limited use and many X-rays and cast changes in between but ours healed well. A year later he has started limping and sometimes not bearing weight. I must say I have not been very diligent with his jumping as he is sneaky and hard to get to when he's up on the couch. We are going for a check up this week and we will be doing an X-ray to see if everything is still in place. He's not in pain or crying so I know its not broken again. I've heard they can develop arthritis and pain if the pins are left in which was the only option for us. our orthopedic surgeon said we had a good chance of healing 80% which is why we opted to the surgery. If it breaks again I'm sure it won't be the same success rate and we would have to face amputation. If the break is very bad and not going to be able to be repaired then you will have to take the advice of the surgeon and amputate (in my opinion). The surgery to repair the break is extensive and many months of recovery and trying to keep the pup still is hard. Totally worth it if it will be a success. Good luck and please keep us updated after you speak with the surgeon.

Schmidtey · 03-19-2015, 08:08 AM

Thank you everyone. We spoke to the surgeon who said that surgery to repair the leg can be done. She said that this kind of fracture is not common and tricky to repair. Because the break is so close to the joint they have to attach either pins or a metal plate and screws to the growth plate. They will not know which until they are able to open the leg up and see what is happening inside.

Since they are attaching it to the growth plate the surgeon mentioned the leg may not continue to grow and he could end up with a limp in that leg. However since he is already 5 months and 4.4 pounds he doesn't have a lot of growth left (growth charts put him at his adult weight of 5.5 lbs.)

We were told the first 6 weeks of recovery is crucial that he not jump and have very limited walking. If the repair doesn't go well after 6 weeks they will have to do an amputation.

This makes me so concerned that he may go through this huge surgery today and an intense recovery, just to be told we have to amputate it.

shelbysmom · 03-19-2015, 09:23 AM

We just went through a serious break and healing process and all went well. Ali broke both bones and it was near a joint, she has a plate and screws holding everything in place. She was 14 months when it happened, after 8 weeks she was convinced that she is fine. ugh. That has been the hardest part. It's been 10 weeks now, she is doing great. Her vet had an orthopedic surgeon do her surgery and no one ever mentioned amputation. Just keep your pup controlled so he can heal properly. I kept ali in her expen or attached to me for 8 weeks. So exhausting.

OwnedByJezebel · 03-19-2015, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shelbysmom

Just keep your pup controlled so he can heal properly.

+1 That's the most important thing after surgery. It won't be difficult at first because they are not feeling well and they are groggy due to the meds, but after that he needs to be restrained at all times, no jumping, running, etc. Prayers for healing.

Schmidtey · 03-19-2015, 01:59 PM

Thank everyone for your comments and prayers. We just heard from the surgeon... Archie is awake but still groggy. The surgeon said the break was arched and a weird shape. They were able to place two pins in his bone and growth plate. They wanted to use three pins, but since they couldn't they had to use an external splint to help the leg heal. The surgeon couldn't say if the surgery was a success, because she said it all comes down to how the bones heal over the next 6 weeks. We have a crate put him in and I will try to take as much time off work as I can to make sure he is comfortable and doesn't move.

We are hoping Archie can come home with us tomorrow. They don't want us to drive down and visit tonight because they are worried he may get too excited. It is hard not driving down there right away!

Schmidtey · 03-19-2015, 02:07 PM

For those of you that have had their puppies go through surgery. How was their disposition after bringing them home? Did they whimper the whole time in pain? Did they mostly sleep? I am so nervous about what to expect when we bring him home.

It makes it more stressful that the emergency vet clinic where he had his surgery at is 1.5 hours away.

ladyjane · 03-19-2015, 02:55 PM

There is NO WAY I would amputate a puppy's leg based on one vet's opinion. I have a board certified surgeon here who would be more than happy to review those xrays for the vet you are seeing. He is very well known and perhaps your surgeon might even know him.
You also are close to the U of P...might want to see a boarded ortho surgeon there.
Yes, legs can be very tricky because the bones are tiny and have reduced blood flow, but please, please get another opinion.
Easy for people to say that dogs do ok after a leg is removed...but this is a puppy. What IF he has a catastrophic injury to another leg at a later date? Then, he would have only two legs. It is SO important to repair legs that can be repaired.
I will say a prayer that all goes well.

shelbysmom · 03-19-2015, 05:35 PM

Your story has been weighing on me all day. I agree with Ladyjane about a second opinion. In fact though I realize you had to go with the surgeon at hand I really question their judgement, I hope they are board certified? I think you should ask for copies of the xrays and get an opinion on the surgery before you allow too much time to go by. I only say that because it's important to have this treated correctly in order for healing to take place. Do a simple google search and see how common this type of injury is in small young growing pups. When they describe poor results they mean it leads to growth issues in one leg, not amputation? I just question such a serious diagnosis.

As far as after surgery, my Ali wimpered the first night or so. She had pain meds for 3 days so she slept a lot, she was on antibiotics for 7 days. I slept with her in my arms attached to a harness for 9 weeks. The first 4 weeks she had a splint that was changed and checked weekly. After that they wrapped her leg in a soft bandage, she was allowed to walk around the room, no stairs etc. A week later the bandage was off and the rules were the same. We went back a month later and she was pretty much healed but still no big jumps allowed.

I want you to know my heart breaks for you and what you are going through. I wish you had a more optimistic surgeon and vet. The only way I got through this was the assurance of Ali's vet. I wish you and your pup the very best, please keep us updated. Hugs.

maxdog · 03-19-2015, 06:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Schmidtey

For those of you that have had their puppies go through surgery. How was their disposition after bringing them home? Did they whimper the whole time in pain? Did they mostly sleep? I am so nervous about what to expect when we bring him home.

It makes it more stressful that the emergency vet clinic where he had his surgery at is 1.5 hours away.

Sasha is 15 days removed from surgery that cut off and removed the top of her femur. She had the surgery on a Wednesday and came home on a Friday. There was no wimpering. She wanted to run and jump on the 3 good legs. As Shelbysmom said you have to keep her under control to heal. Crate, pen, fannypack whatever it takes - keep her calm.

We are still at the beginning of a long road to recovery. But today Sasha had the stitches removed and the cone taken off. One step taken with many more to come. But the end of the journey is a companion that is running and playing pain free.

Archie is lucky to have you.

ladyjane · 03-19-2015, 07:04 PM

I have dealt with MANY fractures of front legs. What I will say is that casting will not work...that vet is correct that a plate is needed.

Again, board certified for the best opinion on whether it is fixable. To find one go here:

www.acvs.org

yorkiemini · 03-19-2015, 07:26 PM

Just want to mention Lady Janes brilliant idea of using a stroller after surgery to keep the pups near us and feeling they are a part of things but still not able to romp,or jump. Got to be sure they are restrained so they don't try to jump out, but I think it is such a great idea.

Schmidtey · 03-19-2015, 07:59 PM

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.

03-19-2015, 05:05 AM	#1
Schmidtey Yorkie Talker Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Lehigh Valley Posts: 24	Broken leg may need metal plate, or amputation Hi. Last night my five month old 4.4 pound puppy (Archie) took a flying leap of my bed and instantly started crying. I took him right to my regular vet clinic where a doctor (not my usual one) took an x-ray and examined him. The x-ray showed he broke both bones in his upper left leg. She said it was a bad break because it was so close to the joint. She told me to take him right away to an emergency vet 1.5 hours away that has board certified surgeons, as she thought he would need a metal plate and screws to help his bones heal. When we arrived at 8 pm the surgeons had gone home for the day so he was seen by an emergency vet. The emergency vet said that in 18 years he has never seen that kind of break. He admitted Archie to the hospital for over night pain care and said that a surgeon would see him in the morning. We asked for his opinion and he said that he is not a surgeon but based on the one x-ray that we arrived with, he thought there might be a slim chance that the surgeons would not be able to operate on him since the break is so close to the joint and growth plates, there may not be something to attach the metal plate into. He said if that is the case the surgeon may recommend amputating the leg. Has anyone had any experience with broken dog bones that have needed metal plates and screws or amputation? I would love some feedback as to what you went through, dogs recovery time, and how the dog has been doing after the surgery? Also, any and all prayers welcome! Thank you!

03-19-2015, 05:10 AM	#2
maxdog Donating YT 5000 Club Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Brownstown MI USA Posts: 18,650	Sasha just had an FHO due to Legges-Perthes done 2 weeks ago but amputation was never brought up. Our prayers are with you and your little one. __________________ Max & Sasha's daddy

03-19-2015, 06:34 AM	#3
ChibiLuv and molliluv too! Donating Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Irving TX, USA Posts: 1,619	I work still an animal shelter where we often get in animals who have to have badly broken legs removed. I wouldn't worry about it, if removing it is the best option then you should remove it. 3 legged dogs get along just fine. I've seen 3 legends run and jump and twirl around in circles, they are often just so happy to be free of the leg that hurt. Maybe they can save the leg but if they can't don't be too sad, little tripods do just great. __________________ Teapot Club Member

03-19-2015, 02:55 PM	#10
ladyjane Resident Yorkie Nut Donating YT 20K Club Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 27,451	There is NO WAY I would amputate a puppy's leg based on one vet's opinion. I have a board certified surgeon here who would be more than happy to review those xrays for the vet you are seeing. He is very well known and perhaps your surgeon might even know him. You also are close to the U of P...might want to see a boarded ortho surgeon there. Yes, legs can be very tricky because the bones are tiny and have reduced blood flow, but please, please get another opinion. Easy for people to say that dogs do ok after a leg is removed...but this is a puppy. What IF he has a catastrophic injury to another leg at a later date? Then, he would have only two legs. It is SO important to repair legs that can be repaired. I will say a prayer that all goes well. __________________ CLOUD NINE BEDS--YORKIE HAVEN RESCUE MY ETSY SHOP

03-19-2015, 07:04 PM	#13
ladyjane Resident Yorkie Nut Donating YT 20K Club Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 27,451	I have dealt with MANY fractures of front legs. What I will say is that casting will not work...that vet is correct that a plate is needed. Again, board certified for the best opinion on whether it is fixable. To find one go here: www.acvs.org __________________ CLOUD NINE BEDS--YORKIE HAVEN RESCUE MY ETSY SHOP

03-19-2015, 06:38 AM	#4
Kerryn915 YT Addict Join Date: May 2014 Location: Fishkill, ny, USA Posts: 487	My 10 month old 4 lb boy broke his leg last February. His was closer to the wrist and also both the ulna and radius. His options were surgery or amputation. We had the orthopedic surgeon do the surgery and pins were placed inside. It took 4.5 months with limited use and many X-rays and cast changes in between but ours healed well. A year later he has started limping and sometimes not bearing weight. I must say I have not been very diligent with his jumping as he is sneaky and hard to get to when he's up on the couch. We are going for a check up this week and we will be doing an X-ray to see if everything is still in place. He's not in pain or crying so I know its not broken again. I've heard they can develop arthritis and pain if the pins are left in which was the only option for us. our orthopedic surgeon said we had a good chance of healing 80% which is why we opted to the surgery. If it breaks again I'm sure it won't be the same success rate and we would have to face amputation. If the break is very bad and not going to be able to be repaired then you will have to take the advice of the surgeon and amputate (in my opinion). The surgery to repair the break is extensive and many months of recovery and trying to keep the pup still is hard. Totally worth it if it will be a success. Good luck and please keep us updated after you speak with the surgeon.

03-19-2015, 08:08 AM	#5
Schmidtey Yorkie Talker Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Lehigh Valley Posts: 24	Thank you everyone. We spoke to the surgeon who said that surgery to repair the leg can be done. She said that this kind of fracture is not common and tricky to repair. Because the break is so close to the joint they have to attach either pins or a metal plate and screws to the growth plate. They will not know which until they are able to open the leg up and see what is happening inside. Since they are attaching it to the growth plate the surgeon mentioned the leg may not continue to grow and he could end up with a limp in that leg. However since he is already 5 months and 4.4 pounds he doesn't have a lot of growth left (growth charts put him at his adult weight of 5.5 lbs.) We were told the first 6 weeks of recovery is crucial that he not jump and have very limited walking. If the repair doesn't go well after 6 weeks they will have to do an amputation. This makes me so concerned that he may go through this huge surgery today and an intense recovery, just to be told we have to amputate it.

03-19-2015, 09:23 AM	#6
shelbysmom YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 1,394	We just went through a serious break and healing process and all went well. Ali broke both bones and it was near a joint, she has a plate and screws holding everything in place. She was 14 months when it happened, after 8 weeks she was convinced that she is fine. ugh. That has been the hardest part. It's been 10 weeks now, she is doing great. Her vet had an orthopedic surgeon do her surgery and no one ever mentioned amputation. Just keep your pup controlled so he can heal properly. I kept ali in her expen or attached to me for 8 weeks. So exhausting.

03-19-2015, 01:59 PM	#8
Schmidtey Yorkie Talker Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Lehigh Valley Posts: 24	Thank everyone for your comments and prayers. We just heard from the surgeon... Archie is awake but still groggy. The surgeon said the break was arched and a weird shape. They were able to place two pins in his bone and growth plate. They wanted to use three pins, but since they couldn't they had to use an external splint to help the leg heal. The surgeon couldn't say if the surgery was a success, because she said it all comes down to how the bones heal over the next 6 weeks. We have a crate put him in and I will try to take as much time off work as I can to make sure he is comfortable and doesn't move. We are hoping Archie can come home with us tomorrow. They don't want us to drive down and visit tonight because they are worried he may get too excited. It is hard not driving down there right away!

03-19-2015, 02:07 PM	#9
Schmidtey Yorkie Talker Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Lehigh Valley Posts: 24	For those of you that have had their puppies go through surgery. How was their disposition after bringing them home? Did they whimper the whole time in pain? Did they mostly sleep? I am so nervous about what to expect when we bring him home. It makes it more stressful that the emergency vet clinic where he had his surgery at is 1.5 hours away.

03-19-2015, 05:35 PM	#11
shelbysmom YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 1,394	Your story has been weighing on me all day. I agree with Ladyjane about a second opinion. In fact though I realize you had to go with the surgeon at hand I really question their judgement, I hope they are board certified? I think you should ask for copies of the xrays and get an opinion on the surgery before you allow too much time to go by. I only say that because it's important to have this treated correctly in order for healing to take place. Do a simple google search and see how common this type of injury is in small young growing pups. When they describe poor results they mean it leads to growth issues in one leg, not amputation? I just question such a serious diagnosis. As far as after surgery, my Ali wimpered the first night or so. She had pain meds for 3 days so she slept a lot, she was on antibiotics for 7 days. I slept with her in my arms attached to a harness for 9 weeks. The first 4 weeks she had a splint that was changed and checked weekly. After that they wrapped her leg in a soft bandage, she was allowed to walk around the room, no stairs etc. A week later the bandage was off and the rules were the same. We went back a month later and she was pretty much healed but still no big jumps allowed. I want you to know my heart breaks for you and what you are going through. I wish you had a more optimistic surgeon and vet. The only way I got through this was the assurance of Ali's vet. I wish you and your pup the very best, please keep us updated. Hugs.

03-19-2015, 07:26 PM	#14
yorkiemini Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: USA Posts: 4,285	Just want to mention Lady Janes brilliant idea of using a stroller after surgery to keep the pups near us and feeling they are a part of things but still not able to romp,or jump. Got to be sure they are restrained so they don't try to jump out, but I think it is such a great idea. __________________ . Cali , and Cali's keeper and staff, Jay No, not a "mini" Yorkie - She loves to motor in her Mini Cooper car

03-19-2015, 07:59 PM	#15
Schmidtey Yorkie Talker Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Lehigh Valley Posts: 24	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.