What is Broken Leg?
Our pets can easily fracture a bone in either their front leg or back leg. The front leg consists of the radius and ulna (with the radius being the main weight supporting bone), and the humerus (forms the elbow and shoulder). The back leg comprises of the tibia and fibula (shin), and the femur (thigh). If your canine companion has an accident and suffers a broken leg, a veterinary surgeon will need to assess the severity and location of the break.
Another name for a broken bone is a fracture. Dogs are no different than humans in that they can accidentally fracture a leg bone during times of exercise or play. Fractures of the long, weight bearing bones are most common. Not all events lead to broken bones; legs can also be dislocated or classified as a hairline fracture (small crack in the bone).
Symptoms of Broken Leg in Dogs
In many cases, a pet owner will witness the event that leads up to the fracture. Sometimes, though, our pets suffer a broken leg without us knowing it has happened. If your dog exhibits any of the symptoms below, be certain to bring him to the clinic without delay.
- Abnormal movement of a limb
- Holding the leg up
- Swelling in a limb
- Pain
- Whining
- Unwillingness or inability to walk
- Severe lameness
- Grinding or popping sounds of bone
- Bruising
In the case of a serious trauma, there could be other critical issues that are not apparent such as internal bleeding or organ injury. Do not ponder the decision to go the veterinary hospital.
Types
There is a chance that a broken bone, contingent on the type and severity, could be life threatening. If the bone is impacting an organ or causing a part of the body to bleed, complications could quickly develop. The types of broken bones can be classified in a few ways.
- Incomplete or complete fracture
- This description means the fracture has occurred partway around the bone (incomplete) or broken through the circumference of the bone (complete).
- Transverse, oblique or comminuted
- This is a complete fracture described as transverse (straight across bone), oblique (diagonally across the bone), and comminuted (the break is in three or more pieces)
- Open or closed fracture
- Simply said, the wound in the skin where the fracture is located is open, or if there is no visible wound, it is closed
Causes of Broken Leg in Dogs
A break in a dog’s leg can occur when you least expect it. Your dog will be in pain and may be feeling very anxious and frightened. Remain calm as you prepare for the trip to the clinic so as not to upset or excite your dog, which could result in making the break worse.
- Vehicular trauma
- Play and exercise
- Sports
- Underlying disease
- Diet (too much phosphorus or Vitamin A, not enough calcium)
- Bone cancer
- Inherited collagen defect (weakens bones)
- Falls
- Age (young bones are not fully formed)
- Breed (toy breeds have tiny bones, easy to break)
Diagnosis of Broken Leg in Dogs
Transport your dog as carefully as possible to the clinic. If the leg break is the result of a vehicular accident, be aware that your pet could have internal injuries. If another family member is at home, have them accompany you, so there is an extra person available in the seat beside your dog, to provide comfort and to keep him from trying to move. Depending on the type of break, you may choose to fashion a splint of sorts to keep the break still. Do not attempt to correct the position of the limb.
When you reach the clinic, the veterinary team will first concentrate on stabilising your pet’s vital signs if needed. The following steps and tools will be used for diagnosis.
- Intravenous will be initiated if your dog requires it, to begin the use of fluids, pain medication or antibiotics
- A catheter could be inserted, so your dog does not feel the need to stand to urinate, and so he does not stress about not being able to pass urine
- The veterinarian will check for organ injury or other signs of trauma
- Blood work may be done
- Your dog will most likely be sedated so the veterinary team can do radiographs of the body (leg views to check for the break, abdominal and chest views to verify that the heart and lungs are without complications)
- An abdominal ultrasound will be done if needed for additional organ analysis
Treatment of Broken Leg in Dogs
Once your furry family member has been stabilised, the fracture will be attended to. Immobilizing the break in order to ease pain and prevent further damage to muscles, blood vessel and nerves are key. Avoiding further trauma to the break is important, too.
The options will be of a non-surgical or surgical nature. In the case of a simple, closed fracture, a splint or cast may be all that is required for healing. With a cast or splint, emphasis must be placed on keeping the injured area, and it’s covering clean and dry.
Other surgical fixation methods (like metal devices) may be a better choice. The decision will depend on your dog’s age, your home environment (are you home with your dog most of the time?), and your financial options in regards to the method of treatment. Your veterinarian will be able to advise you best on the treatment alternatives.
It is interesting to note the following points about treatment options.
- A cast may, at first, seem like the most economical choice for treatment
- However, a cast or splint requires many additional appointments due to evaluations, changes, and possible repairs or replacements
- The overall healing period may be longer with a cast or splint
- An external metal fixation device will involve pins being put through the bone to splint it, without entering the body (except for the pins)
- An internal fixation device will be implanted under the skin and in the bone with the use of screws, pins, wires or plates
- As a pet owner, you may feel uncomfortable discussing the amputation of a limb, but this is sometimes the best decision when it comes to a severely damaged leg
- Dogs adapt very quickly to living with three legs
Recovery of Broken Leg in Dogs
The length of hospital stay will depend on the treatment. The stay may range from one day to two weeks.
Home care is a very important part of the recovery process. In the case of a splint or cast, you will need to monitor carefully the condition of the bandage or covering. Looseness can slow healing, and pressure sores could develop. Prevent your dog from licking the cast or pulling on the splint. An elizabethan collar could be the answer.
In the instance of internal and external fixation devices, there may be a need for the removal of some of the metal device in the future. Your veterinarian will give you all of the information needed as to timing and requirements.
No matter which treatment method was used, follow-up radiographs will be necessary for eight weeks time so that the break can be re-evaluated.
In the meantime, continue the use of pain medication or antibiotics as prescribed. Do not allow your dog to jump or partake in high impact play. Walking, swimming, and wading in water are beneficial forms of exercise once your veterinarian says the time is right to begin.
She may recommend professional physical therapy such as an underwater treadmill. With the guidance of your veterinary team, you may be asked to do physical therapy at home in the form of ice treatments, flexion of joints, and massage.
Together, you and your veterinarian can have your pet back to walking in due time. Typical recovery length will be four to eight weeks. The age of your dog will be a factor since younger dogs heal more quickly than older dogs do. The recovery may seem slow, but the prognosis for a broken leg is very good when care and diligence is taken.
Broken Leg Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Has Symptoms
My dog was hit by a car 3 days ago went to vet xrays done. Vet said her front leg is broken in multiple spots. I have 2 options surgery or amputation. She’s a small older dog, cockapoo at least 12 years old. I’m devasted I don’t know what to do. I’m nervous of surgery since she is an older dog but I don’t even want to think of amputation. Need feedbacks suggestions hopefully a miracle :(
Was this experience helpful?
Has Symptoms
I have a 14 year old Morkie. He got ran over last week. I took him to the vet and his front leg is broken in two spots. They said due to his age they do not believe it will heal. After waiting for 6 weeks we will take more xrays and then decide on where to go from there. My question is how well can a 14 year old dog adjust to an amputation? He is having trouble keeping his balance with the splint on.
Add a comment to Leo's experience
Was this experience helpful?
Has Symptoms
My shih tzu got ran over, I took him to the vet he has 3 fractures in his 2 back legs (2 fractures on left leg, 1 on right). His lower abdomen is severely bruised and swolen. He also is not able to urniate nor pass bowels by hisself due to the pain hes in. I do not have the income to afford fixing but I do not want to put him down as he is still trying to walk every now and then and not really whimpering. Any advice on what the best thing to do for him is, put him down or let him heal on his own?? Should I let him walk as much as he wants or keep him lying down?
Add a comment to Sammy's experience
Was this experience helpful?
Has Symptoms
My 7month old dog suffered from an accident a month ago and had a broken leg. The wound has been healed completely however she still continues to limp at times. She walks perfectly and runs normally too but at times I notice her keeping her leg off the ground.
3318 Recommendations
There are numerous reasons why Annie would occasionally limp after recovering from her accident; these reasons would depend on the bone or joint involved, degree of injury, treatment received and any other damage caused at the time of injury. A physical examination would need to be carried out by your Veterinarian possibly with some x-rays to determine was underlying damage is present. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
My dog just Fell n hurt her back leg. She now won't put any weight on it. Doesn't seem broken,more like a soft tissue injury. What do I do?
What is the answer to this question ? my 6 month puppy is having surgery tomorrow on her rear broken leg and that is our concern as well
Good day,
my dog also had an injury in his back leg. they did an operation and put in a plate. the bone healed so well but he also limps and don't stand on it. so after x-rays we saw that the growth plate has closed and his leg is now shorter than the other one. Is there any possible way we can do something that it will open again, because he still has a few months to grow ?
Add a comment to Annie's experience
Was this experience helpful?
Has Symptoms
My dog got caught under our recliner as my mother was closing it. She heard him howl and immediately lifted the couch. We let him and walk and he was comlwtely unable to put pressure on it and it was swollen. We took him to the vet the next day and they took an X-ray. They told us it was a fracture and recommended surgery. After consulting other vets, they said surgery is uncalled for. I just want the best treatment for my dog. What should we do?
3318 Recommendations
The type of injury shown on the x-ray would give an indication to the treatment required; some fractures just require stabilisation and rest, others require extensive (possibly multiple) surgeries with nails and pins. Without viewing the x-ray of Blue’s leg I am unable to say if surgery is required, my advice is to take the word of the majority; so, if three Veterinarians have examined Blue, one says he needs surgery and two say he doesn’t, take the advice of the two Veterinarians. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Add a comment to Blue's experience
Was this experience helpful?
Has Symptoms
My 5 month puppy had surgery about 5 weeks ago. His femur was broken and the vet put in a plate and pin. However the pin had pushed up and caused him to have a sack of liquid on his hip. The vet lanced it. Now my dog doesn't want to step with his leg at all and cries spastically. He jumped twice off the couch and I wanted to know if this could be symptoms of his plate being bent or something else.
3318 Recommendations
The chances of the plate being bent are highly improbable as a force required to bend the plate would have caused significant damage to Chato’s soft tissue and bone. After the movement of the pin, I would recommend having Chato’s leg x-rayed to determine the position of the pin and to ensure that everything is in the correct place. Complications from pins include migration (movement), the end which is cut may irritate soft tissues and may not be effective if used alone (which is why your Veterinarian put a plate too). Sometimes these problems (not using his leg) will resolve themselves, sometimes they are due to damage to soft tissue or nerves; without examining Chato, I am unable to comment further. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Add a comment to Chato's experience
Was this experience helpful?
Has Symptoms
My dog Tolkien was swimming with me in our in ground pool 2 weeks ago when he slipped along the edge trying to get in. There weren't any noticeable symptoms immediately after but two days later he started occasionally limping and holding up his right hind leg, which is where he slipped, so I've made a vet appointment for this coming Tuesday. He's good to put weight on it once in a while but the fact that it's been on and off so long is concerning. He shows no other signs of tenderness in the leg but yesterday I noticed a nickel sized cyst that burst on his right side. Is the cyst in anyway related to his leg injury?
3318 Recommendations
I cannot see a cyst being connected with limping in the hind limb. German shepherds are known to being prone to hip problems (hip dysplasia) and back problems (due to the breeding of the desired breed standard) which may have contributed to the injury during the fall; both spinal and hip problems can present as an intermittent problems. Your Veterinarian will be able to carry out some flexion tests, comparison of hind limbs along with some x-rays and will hopefully be able to tell you the cause of the intermittent limping. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Add a comment to Tolkien's experience
Was this experience helpful?
Has Symptoms
How can I keep my Flat Coated Retriever from using her fractured leg 1 week post op? I cannot keep her in a crate - she has a brother and the two are inseparable, and putting both in a cage is impossible too. They both hate it and go nuts. Immediately post operation Lila stayed in a crate at the hospital for a week, but now she is home and walks, jumps, runs around as if nothing has happened - even up and down the stairs she broke her log on in the first place! I don't know how to keep her off her leg - she follows me around everywhere, cries when I keep her restricted in the dog room. She's only semi still when I am right next to her and am doing nothing - unsustainable...
3318 Recommendations
Restricting movement in a dog post surgery can be difficult, especially when they have an active companion. As difficult as it sounds, crating along with positive reinforcement to help calm Lila is the best; other methods like giving her a Kong toy would keep her busy in one place. You just need to get creative; each dog is different and requires different methods. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Add a comment to Lila's experience
Was this experience helpful?
Has Symptoms
Medication Used
My 6 month puppy broke his elbow and had surgery (screw and pin/nail put in). We kept him at rest for 4 weeks after surgery. He is still not putting weight on the leg. He also lost appetite and is constantly licking. We had x-rays day after the surgery and 5 weeks after. In both images the pin / nail is sticking out of the bone. The vet who did the surgery said that it's normal for the pin to be sticking out. We consulted with another vet who said the pin was placed incorrectly and is sticking out irritating the soft tissue. We'd like to find out:
1. Why is the puppy limping still?
2. Was the surgery done correctly the first time?
I have the X-rays if you are willing to consult us online
3318 Recommendations
With orthopaedic surgery, there are different methods of placing pins and nails depending on the location and the desired result. Generally if the end of the pin or nail is not exposed (outside the skin) it would be almost flush with the bone, a little of the pin or nail is left out for easy removal if there are additional surgeries or complications. If the pin or nail is more than two or three millimetres exposed then when the limb moves, the end of the pin or nail would irritate the soft tissues causing discomfort or pain. The limping may be due to the misplacement of the pin / nail or due to the original injury; a physical examination palpating the area to determine if there is a response when the soft tissue is pressed. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Add a comment to Moby's experience
Was this experience helpful?
Has Symptoms
My dog is limping and is not putting any pressure on her leg. It is her back leg and when I move it or touch it she does nothing. It has no swelling or cuts or anything. But she does not put any pressure on it as if its sore or broken. She was outside playing and knocked BBQ grill over and it fell on her hind legs. I removed it but she has been limping tremendously.
3318 Recommendations
There are many reasons why Pebbles is limping on her hind leg; this may be due to fracture, sprain, ligament damage, dislocation or nerve damage. Pebbles would need to be examined by your Veterinarian to determine the exact problem and to manage or treat the problem; it is important that she sees her Veterinarian sooner rather than later because some issue can be exasperated with time (build up of scar tissue or repeated rubbing of joints). Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Add a comment to Pebbles's experience
Was this experience helpful?
Has Symptoms
Medication Used
My sons beagle was shot 3 times when someone broke into his house. Among other injuries she has a shattered front leg. They did surgery and put on an external fixation device. We have had her on cage rest for six weeks and they xrayed her and told us there was no new bone growth. The X-rays looked the same. So now we have to let her start bearing some weight to see if that will stimulate the bone to start healing. How long does it usually take for the bone to begin healing. Should I be worried that she may lose her leg. I'm so worried.
3318 Recommendations
It is so sad that someone has the heart to shoot a dog. Unfortunately, if there is no stimulation of bone regrowth, then the prognosis for the limb is not favourable especially if there is little or no contact between the fragments, poor stability of the fragments, infection or hypocalcemia. Normally some growth, and resolution in less severe cases, would normally be seen six weeks after surgery. You may need to get used to the idea of an amputation of the front leg, dogs are highly adaptive and Stella should be able to continue her life with a missing leg. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Add a comment to Stella's experience
Was this experience helpful?
Has Symptoms
My dog's front left leg's 2 finger's bone crashed and it's missing now. Do we have any treatment to grow and appreciate if you could advise us on this.
3318 Recommendations
If Calvin has two ‘fingers’ missing they wouldn’t grow back, if the nails are damaged they would grow back but they be cracked or damaged. I would recommend visiting your Veterinarian at your next vaccination visit to take a look at Calvin’s paws. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Add a comment to Calvin's experience
Was this experience helpful?
Has Symptoms
Broken finger not heal after 1 month. Boxer dog 6 months. We put the bandage several times but he bites it all now even after 1 month xray shows its not healed.
What should we do?
3318 Recommendations
Broken toes in dogs usually take six to eight weeks to heal, if Tango keeps biting at it may affect the healing process; if he continues to bite at it, an Elizabethan collar may be required to restrict him biting at it. If the toe doesn’t heal at all, it may need to be amputated. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Add a comment to Tango's experience
Was this experience helpful?
My dog jumped out from my back truck and injured his femur bone and his feet is swollen. We took him to do x rays and it shows his femur is broken, however the Vet doctor said he couldn’t do surgery due to the swollen leg. It’s been 5 days since the incident and I am worry he looses his leg. We went to visit him today and informed us to wait 3 more days. What should we do?
3318 Recommendations
Add a comment to Zeus's experience
Was this experience helpful?
Has Symptoms
my dog has an road accident and had a broken leg. We took her to vet and had a surgery 2 weeks ago. now she is recovering ok, but still not using the operated leg and paw of that leg is swollen and sometimes bleeding. The operation cost us nearly 5000 usd. We dont know what to do now, please help.
3318 Recommendations
If the paw is swollen, it may just be down to the trauma of the accident and surgery or may be due to the bandaging preventing venous return of blood back up the leg leaving blood and fluid pooling in the paws. I would highly recommend you visit your Veterinarian; visits like this are usually covered under the cost of the surgery. Without examining the paw, I am unable to offer a solution. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Add a comment to Daisy's experience
Was this experience helpful?
Has Symptoms
My coonhound Ruger likes to hop the fence and "patrol" the front yard.
Today he got hung up in the fence by his foot.
He is limping and will barely even touch it to the ground but lays and sits fine.
The "elbow" of his leg is very swollen as well as the back and it's hot. Would you think it is broken? Or severely sprained? He is able to curl up in a ball and lay down like normal placing his front paws over it so it's not too unbearable I guess...
I'm going to take him to the vet tomorrow but just want some advice?
3318 Recommendations
Most likely if it was caught, it would only be a sprain since it takes a large amount of force to break a bone in a young healthy dog. I would still recommend visit your Veterinarian in the morning to make sure flexion is good and there are no other problems. Until then, ensure that Ruger has plenty of rest and make sure that he isn’t walking too far or jumping on furniture; cage rest would be best. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Add a comment to Ruger's experience
Was this experience helpful?
Has Symptoms
my dog Marlie has been acting really weird lately. First of all she is a Min Pin. All of a sudden I walk downstairs and she starts barking but the bark sounds completely different then what her sounds like. The bark was really raspy and sounded like she lost her voice. We thought she was just sick. The next day she was being really lazy and she was slightly limping. You could tell in her hips. The next day she legit wouldn't move. She stayed in her kennel the entire day and ended up going to the bathroom in it because she was unable to walk. we tried everything to get her out but she wouldn't move. Later we cut her out of the kennel (it was a fabric like one). Anyways we cut her out but she couldn't stand up or move an inch. we tried picking her up but she wouldn't allow it. Also I might add she's sitting in a really odd way. Almost how a human being would sit. Both her legs in the front and on her butt. She still won't move, what should I do? we took her to the vet the day before but they just said she hurt her back which is obviously not the case. Please help!?
3318 Recommendations
It sounds like Marlie may have hurt her back due to her reluctance to move and the posture that she has been sitting in; it would be best to have Marlie seen again by her Veterinarian (or another) to check reflexes in her hind limbs and to take an x-ray looking for any spinal issues which may be causing this level of pain and discomfort. Trauma, intervertebral disk disease, spinal tumours, spondylosis, hip dislocation among other conditions may cause these symptoms. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Add a comment to Marlie's experience
Was this experience helpful?
Has Symptoms
Medication Used
I have a 6 month old husky shepherd mix pup. He got hurt while playing with another dog a couple days ago. He hurt his front left leg/shoulder. When I massage/ move/ stretch it he doesn't really complain or show signs of discomfort. But when he walks on it or applies weight he does. He still eats and drinks and tries to play like normal but at a slower pace. I try to make sure he doesn't move as much so he can rest it. I guess my question is if he still wags his tail and acts like a pup should I take him to the vet? I don't want to neglect him from getting proper care but it's also not cheap and if it's just a sprain would it heal on its own? Any advice is welcome
3318 Recommendations
I understand your concern regarding the cost of Veterinary care and whether Max will recover without a visit to see his Veterinarian; however, I cannot tell you the severity or type of injury Max has without examining him. There are many types of injury which may affect joints, bone, muscle nerves etc… care must also be taken with pups as they are still growing. Strict rest is normally recommended for all cases, but it would be best to have him checked over if there is no improvement after a few days. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Add a comment to Max's experience
Was this experience helpful?
Has Symptoms
My puppy was bitten by another dog he's only a puppy and he walks ,runs,and plays with my cat as well and he climbs on things he can but he limps when walks and when he stands he picks it up also when he sits but sometimes when sitting and he doesn't bite or crys when u touch it (the paw that he got bite was his front right paw.) also I don't know how old he is but he's small puppy half the size of my 13 year old daughter thigh.
3318 Recommendations
At ten weeks (or thereabouts) a puppy shouldn’t be socialising with other dogs because they are not fully vaccinated. Anyway, traumatic injury can cause damage which whilst not painful, may cause discomfort at rest; any injury in a puppy should be checked by your Veterinarian as injuries to limbs in early age may cause problems at an older age. I would recommend visiting your Veterinarian to discuss the paw and if you haven’t already, start vaccinating Bam Bam. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Add a comment to Bam bam's experience
Was this experience helpful?
Has Symptoms
Our dog Bella is a year old. she escaped from our fence and we think she was hit by a car, her back right leg is broken and she has been to the vet and her leg has been put in a cast, the problem we are having is that she has had to have the cast replaced once already after 2 weeks, and now we have to take her back again less than a week later to get a new replacement because the cast is slipping. The first time this happened the vet told us it was because the swelling is going down, is this a normal occurrence?
3318 Recommendations
Many factors determine the frequency of changing a cast including severity of injury, any superficial wounds, age of the dog (puppies are growing) etc… Changing a cast every ten to fourteen days isn’t unusual, but as I mentioned each case is different and requires a different approach. For specific information, speak with your Veterinarian. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Add a comment to Bella's experience
Was this experience helpful?
Has Symptoms
My puppy Bear is about 13 week and is a very playful puppy, and doesn't like being alone. Today I went out to the grocery store and locked him behind his cage so that he wouldn't use the bathroom around the house but on the training mats. When by himself he would tend to jump the gate, and today i believe that's what he did. When i came in the gate was knocked over and his leg got caught in a table nearby. When i released him he kept his leg held up. He still tries to walk, play, and he still eats normally but is in pain whenever he seems to try to lay down and get comfortable. I'm just not sure if it is broken or just a sprain because of his behavior. Also, was it okay for me to put a warm towel on the swelling?
3318 Recommendations
In puppies it is very important to have any limb injury checked by your Veterinarian as soon as possible as injuries to growth plates and joints may cause limb deformities as a puppy grows; also you Veterinarian will take an x-ray will will help to determine if there are any other injuries present after the fall. Since you were not at home, you are unaware of the amount of time Bear was stuck in the table and how much he may have struggled before you came home. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Add a comment to Bear's experience
Was this experience helpful?
My puppy legs is like bolging out when the paw starts, it was not like that when i first got her. She fell down the stairs and then i noticed it a few hours later, she still walks on itbut whenever she sits and puts pressure on her left front paw it shakes i didnt think was broken because she can still walk on it but after a certain distance of walking on it she starts limping
3318 Recommendations
Please take your puppy to your Veterinarian for x-rays and to examine her legs to ensure that she won’t have any long-term problems. Since she is still growing and will grow to be a large dog with a lot of weight on her paws, it is important to have her limbs straight to prevent pain in adulthood. It is possible that Bella may require splints to correct deviated bone / joint growth. The sooner treatment is started, the easier and less painful it will be. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
How can i say if the metal plate in the leg of my dog still strait during the reconvering time ? It's a Weimaraner ans she won't stop to walk on his leg... so i'm a bit stressed...
I have a six month old Pomeranian and she accidentally broke her leg... took her to the vet immediately and it is oblique fracture of the radius and ulna...dr suggest a surgery but would cost 6000 min…I can't afford that…could you tell me what's the rough number for the survey? Or is a surgery needed? Please please help...thank you!!
I have an akita mixed with German Shepherd he is quite a big dog his name is simba. He keeps forcing himself through a small concrete hole and I fear this will damage his hind legs in the long run because of the force that he is putting on it to go through the hole. Do I have and anything to worry about?
I think my dog may have a broken leg and I can't afford to pay all at once is there anything or anywhere I can take him or anything I can do at home to help
I have a low income family. We cannot afford the vet bills. And have low credit and do not qualify for a loan. I have a 12 week old puppy who is limping and whimpering. And not playing very much anymore. Is there something I can do at home? Because there is no feasible way for us to take him to the vet.
We have a 7 yr old doberman who broke his toe, took him to vet they put cast on but after 1 day the swelling was so bad we had to take it off, vet visit antibiotics and told us to not recast because he wouldn't leave it on, now where the most swelling was now the fur is gone is that normal?
My dog fell and now is limping Andre still walks on it every now and then, we don't see nothing out of place but he does wimped ever now and then and being my family lives on my SSI check of 735.00 and hubby has 11 tumors and needs 3 surgeries and still fighting for SSI I am barely surviving now lol Is there anything to help out pitbull pup king?
I have a shorkie a shitz-U and a yorkie. I also have a big wheaten terroir compared to my yorkie. They were playing and my wheaten stepped on my shorkies back leg! He started to cry and now does not want to use the leg. What should I do??
Add a comment to Bella's experience
Was this experience helpful?
Has Symptoms
My dog was out playing with my daughters and my other dog a German Shepard I walked out for a minute and heard her hauling and limping from her back leg I don't know if my other dog bit her hit her or even if she tripped on something but she has not been wanting to put weight on her back leg if I touch it or gently stretch her leg she won't complaint but as soon as she puts her leg on the floor she complaints and now she's not eating well she has no swelling or any visual injury..
3318 Recommendations
Leg injuries in dogs (like in humans) may be caused by fractures, sprains or dislocation. If Donna sprained a joint in her leg or pulled a ligament; if there is no pain or obvious swelling, restrict her movement and see if there is improvement over the next day or so, if the pain gets worse, you notice swelling or don’t see improvement visit your Veterinarian. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
I have an 11 month old Shih Tzu Maltese puppy she fell down a few steps so I took her into the emergency vet hospital to be checked according to them they believe it was a break but they wouldn't take x-rays because they wanted me to give them $1,000 down. They splint it she's walking on the splint. For $500 the only thing they would do is splint her leg and give me pain medicine to take home. Rather than give me a treatment plan they wanted to schedule her two days later to have her leg amputated. I refuse to amputate her leg without trying to save it. She hasn't showed any signs of pain even though I am giving her the medication. She's still as happy and bouncy as ever. So I'm trying to find another vet because after the way they treated her I am not comfortable with them. She's walking fine she's even trying to jump on the seats which isn't good but I know she's healing and I know that I have to take her to get the splint changed within the next day or so. This happened Friday night and today is Sunday. If anyone has recommendations for a good reasonably priced vet in Burlington County New Jersey that may accept payment plans. I'd appreciate it. A vet that wants to try to save the dog's leg not cut it off without even seeing an x-ray. I don't understand how they can schedule an amputation without even taking any kind of x-rays. So my trust in them is done.
Add a comment to Donna's experience
Was this experience helpful?
Has Symptoms
My puppy fell off the patio and I don't know if leg is broke or sprained. And the vet is closed but I did wrap her leg up.
3318 Recommendations
If you suspect that your pet’s leg has been broken it is always best to visit your Veterinarian (if available) or an Emergency Veterinarian. Wrapping a broken leg yourself can cause complications like restricting blood flow or putting unnecessary pressure on the break which may cause more pain or other difficulties, ensure her paw remains warm (confirms adequate blood flow in the leg); the best course of action is to restrict movement, ensure they remain calm and have access to water. When you visit your Veterinarian they will examine the leg, along with joints and may take an x-ray; sprains, dislocations and torn ligaments are also possibilities. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Add a comment to Cleo's experience
Was this experience helpful?
Has Symptoms
It's oblique fracture of the radius and ulna...My Pom is 6 month old and she's 2.2kg. How much would it cost for the surgery? The one I visited told me it's above 6000…which I really can't afford...is there any chance that she doesn't need the surgery or any other way? I do want to heal her I'm willing to sell everything I have...
3318 Recommendations
There are many factors to consider when pricing a surgery including severity, technique used, whether your Veterinarian is a board certified specialist and your location will have a bearing on the price too. You need to bear in mind that in the United States a simple leg amputation may run in the region of $1,000 so a more specialised surgery with more time, plates, screws, external fixation and pins will run in the thousands. I cannot comment on whether she requires the surgery as I haven’t examined her or seen x-rays, but in a young dog which is still growing (Pomeranians usually stop growing at twelve months), having corrective surgery is always best to prevent having limb deformities in later life. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
thank you so much doctor!! i will wait until morning and call around...surgery is the best option I'll try my best...thanks!!
Add a comment to Poppy's experience
Was this experience helpful?
Has Symptoms
My dog fell off the dryer and immediately started whining and lifting his leg. He cannot put pressure on it and it hurts when I try to straighten it out. I am unable to take him to the vet until Saturday. I'm not sure if he broke it what can i do for him in the meantime?
3318 Recommendations
It is possible that Zeus has fractured, dislocated or sprained his leg; without examining it I would be unable to say which has occurred. Regardless of cost, I would recommend you visit your Veterinarian for an examination to determine the severity of the injury, stabilisation of the limb (bandaging if applicable) as well as a prescription for pain medication; if you are unable to visit your Veterinarian at all, limit his movement and ensure easy access to food and water. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Thank you. I have scheduled an appointment for this Saturday.
Add a comment to Zues's experience
Was this experience helpful?
Has Symptoms
My miniature american shepherd puppy fell off the bed and broke his hind leg at the age of 5 months. It was a fx tibia, the fibula was intact. We were out of town so the emergency vet put a Thompson splint on it and sent me home with him. I started seeing my regular vet who xrayed him one week post injury and said the fx was healing perfectly. I saw the vet every two weeks after that. He never took the splint off, just kept adding tape, and xrayed it and said it was perfect. After 4 weeks my puppy finally got the splint off. I took him in and saw a different vet who applied a pressure wrap. Again, an xray showed that the fx was healing nicely. The puppy has now had his wrap off for a month and his toe points straight out and his hock points straight in both moving and standing. I see now that he should have had surgery, which was never suggested by my regular vet. Is there anything that can be done to make this leg look normal again? He runs, jumps, plays and it isnt hurting him, but it looks deformed. Thanks for any suggestions.
3318 Recommendations
If the deformity of the limb isn’t causing any pain, discomfort or lameness I would advise against surgical correction as the anaesthesia, re-breaking bones, setting the bones, pins, nails etc… isn’t worth the hassle (and risk) for a problem which is cosmetic. Some Veterinarian’s may recommend surgery due to concerns that the deformity may put pressure on the joints in leading to lameness in the future. I would recommend not correcting due to the reason mentioned above, plus you still may not get the desired result; a playful energetic dog is a happy one. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Full Recovery
Treatment Cost: $850.00
Add a comment to Jude's experience
Was this experience helpful?
Has Symptoms
My 1 year spitz pet is suffering from front left leg fracture. the bone is broken and misplaced. When she got the fracture we took her to our nearest vet and he did the plaster.the plaster was put for almost 1 months but atlast vet forwarded to another vet for operation for quick results bcoz in last 1 month der was no improvement.Then the other vet put the rods and operated my pet and told she will be alright within 15 days.but after 15 days when today we went to the vet for removing the plaster from her leg the told dat may be during operation some nuts loosened and the bone was misplaced again. And concluded that they cant help further to join her bone. As my pet is so small and suffering a lot from almost a month and half I want to know whether there is any chance or any way in which I can join her bones again ? I can't see her like this. please help me.
3318 Recommendations
If Jenny is able to walk with the deformity and the bone is stable, then surgery may not be required; if the bone is severely misplaced causing lameness then surgery would be required. The bone affected and the extent of the fracture will determine the approach needed for correction, due to the unique nature of every fracture it isn’t possible to say how to operate without seeing x-rays or performing an examination. I would recommend visiting a Specialist with experience in orthopaedics to assess Jenny and to create a surgical plan. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Add a comment to Jenny 's experience
Was this experience helpful?
Has Symptoms
Hi, We just got a 11 week old puppy boxer named Tucker. We put him in a cage next to our oldest boxer Bayley though out the day, while we are at work. ( Two separate Cages ). My question is, I came home yesterday and let the puppy out of the cage to go outside. Then i realized at that point he was holding his back leg up. He's letting me touch it and pull a little on it. I waited to see if that was hurting him and it wasn't. but when he goes to lay down or if i go to touch the foot he turns his head like it hurt and he cries when he lays on it. I think he got his foot stuck in the cage and tried to get it out when we weren't home. I'm not sure if i should be taking him to the vet right away or just let him rest a little and see what happens and if it get worst then take him? He still is eating and drinking water but not playing like a puppy should
3318 Recommendations
It is quite possible that Tucker may have gotten his foot stuck in the side of his cage which may have sprained or twisted his foot. Giving Tucker a day or two to see if there is any improvement with walking or playing; but given his age, if he hasn’t been vaccinated yet go to your Veterinarian to get that done and you can have his foot checked at the same time. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Add a comment to Tucker's experience
Was this experience helpful?
Has Symptoms
I did not see what happened to my chihuahua but came home to him on the bed and when I placed him down on the floor, he screamed and would not and still will not use his front leg. There are no vets open because it's a holiday and this happened two days ago, he's still very active and playful. He lets me touch it and squeeze around on it and there is nothing sensitive to that but it seems to be most sensitive around his elbow/shoulder area to bend, because he cries when he tries to get positioned sleeping. But it's completely limp but I can move it but it's like he can't on his own. Our local vet is only open certain days of the week, what can I do for him till I can get him there? I'm afraid something may be dislocated? Please help me, I just love him.
3318 Recommendations
The cause of Boey’s leg pain may be due to various causes including sprains, twists, slight trauma, dislocation etc… In this case, if you have no available Veterinary Service, you would need to keep the leg stable or restrict Boey’s movement not to aggravate the condition before you get to see your Veterinarian. In young dogs there are risks of mild trauma damaging growth plates or anomalies like united anconeal process etc… If you stabilise Boey’s leg, make sure you don’t cut off the blood supply to his leg; if you have a crate, crate rest would be best. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Add a comment to Boey's experience
Was this experience helpful?
Has Symptoms
I was out of town for 3 nights and came home to my very excited puppy. She didn't come to the door right away, so I believe she was sleeping. She jumped up on the couch and then jumped off and started screaming. I could tell right away from how she held it that it was broken. I took her immediately in the middle of a snow storm to the emergency vet that I don't really trust. It's not inappropriate is it to take her to my regular vet for a second opinion. I mainly want to find out if the after care directions are what he would have prescribed. My main question is how do I keep an 11 month puppy from running and playing.
3318 Recommendations
Pomeranian dogs are not famous for being calm and docile, so trying to restrict her movements is going to be difficult. Generally we would recommend crating to restrict movement as she is unable to do much inside; another option is to keep her in a small room like a utility room where she cannot be stimulated or have enough space to want to build up speed. For aftercare, we generally concentrate on pain management and restriction of movement; antibiotics are prescribed for seven days post surgery too. Depending on the type of fracture and the stabilisation of the bone, other surgeries maybe required (to remove nails or external fixation devices); generally after eight weeks (and even before), additional x-rays will be taken to determine the progress of healing. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Add a comment to Bella's experience
Was this experience helpful?
Has Symptoms
i have a 7 wk old jack russell x puppy we got an X-ray and all the little bones in his wrist are scattered and he has a break in the big bone connected to his paw is it possible it could just heal if we keep it wrapped or will he need surgery the vet suggested amputation and thats a no but i don't know if we can afford 1000's for a surgery either looking for alt. pls help
3318 Recommendations
Unfortunately this isn’t going to be an easy fix; the problem with the wrist (or carpus) is the number of bones within the wrist and their articulation with each other as well as the articulations with the metacarpal bones and the radius and ulna. The problem is ensuring the long term functionality of these bones and the articulation with each other; also in puppies you have the added complication of possible growth plate damage which may cause a bone to stop growing or to grow abnormally. Your Veterinarian is right to suggest surgery (or multiple surgeries as is probably the case) or amputation; remember that each case is different but splinting or wrapping isn’t going to help. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
I have a rescue dog.. lab and rottweiler or? He broke his femur at 4 months. I got him right afterfhe had a pin inserted and he's been with me ever since. He is now 9 months old and still has the pin. . To be removed next week. But... he has femural head degeneration now. My question: should he have the pin removed? Any suggestions are appreciated! Help!
Add a comment to hefe's experience
Was this experience helpful?
Hi my 3 month old chihuahua broke his back right femur he's been in doggy hospital for 2 and a half weeks it is a closed non displaced diagonal fracture they rang me today to say that he's walking on it he's been of pain killers for more than a week he can go home with small walks and one room restriction he's home running about a bit on it and seems like nothing happened, I hope this is ok and he won't hurt the leg
3318 Recommendations
Add a comment to Finn's experience
Was this experience helpful?
Medication Used
Our Italian Greyhound, Maximilian (Max), at almost 5 years, 7 pounds, has a broken ulna/simple diagonal fracture of distal left radius, front leg. Max did not cry after initial break, and we put him on the bed! He is in a splint, and one Dr has mentioned surgery, plate and pins. Have heard some unfavorable comments about after surgery and possibility of pins sticking out, bleeding, limping, etc, and then possibly more surgery, etc. Please help, as we want our pup to heal as best as possible and not put him through more stress like surgery and possible effects from it afterwards. Can he heal well with present splint, and or re-splint/cast? He is not a racer/runner, is pad trained, but we do walk, him and myself, for exercise and fresh air about an hour to 2 hours per day depending on weather, as hot here. He has never been kenneled, as we don't believe in that with any animal. Maximilian is acting loving, eating, drinking, peeing and pooping on his pad and walking around with splint, which has been on for 8 days now. We have mostly carpet because of him, and he has even jumped off couch a few times. Thx so much, [email protected]
3318 Recommendations
Add a comment to MAXIMILIAN's experience
Was this experience helpful?
Has Symptoms
We just found out that our pitbull broke his elbow after falling off a bed. He's only 6 weeks old. We don't know if we should get the surgery done or let it heal on its own
3318 Recommendations
Add a comment to King's experience
Was this experience helpful?
Has Symptoms
My long hair chihuahua tried jumping onto our bed during the middle of the night Friday. She missed & we went ke up to her screaming. I got up immediately & seen she was limping with her back driver’s side leg up. She’s still been the same spunky little girl she’s always been but she’s limping and sometimes she holds the leg up. She will put minimal pressure on it at times. When we move, flex, rub, or extend the leg she doesn’t whine or anything. She will still go outside to potty, she still plays (just with the leg up) & still eats & drinks. I’m on a fixed income but if there is reason to believe she needs medical attention please let me know & I will go without my medications for a month or so as long as my baby is ok. Do you think I need to make an appointment or could she just have sprained it? I took her from a family member because they work out of town 3 weeks out of the month & were just going to have her put down. She’s only 4. I wouldn’t be able to make an appointment until the 2nd when I get my disability but I need to know if I need to use my money for my medicines & cut back on certain foods to have her seen. I don’t want her to be in pain or suffering or have any deformities because I thought she just sprained it & it’s really broken or she tore something. Again she’s still the same sweet, loving, playful little thing she was before but she does lift her leg sometimes & limps. This happened about 2am Saturday morning (technically) & today is Sunday. How long would it take for a sprain to heal? It just hurts my heart to see her limping.
3318 Recommendations
Add a comment to Sassy's experience
Was this experience helpful?
Is it possible to cast a English Mastiff back broken leg. She is very lazy and middle aged (7yrs to old). She is my child so any home treatment and care will be done properly and I can afford to take her to the vet with some assistance from a pet rescue. If this all takes place is there any chance of recovery without amputation. I can't afford the down payment then full payment on pick up
3318 Recommendations
Add a comment to Gracie's experience
Was this experience helpful?
Our 7 month old Yorkie "Tank" really wanted a cookie. We have 2 cages one on top of the other. The larger cage was bedding for him and his momma with a split between the two. And the top cage for momma's new babies. As a treat my husband if they are good will give them animal cookies, and Tank loves them. We had the babies out of the top cage roaming around while we were home, and all the other dogs loose watching over them. Tank decided to jump into the top cage where the cookies were left for the babies, and to not get caught, quickly turned around and jumped out missing his footing, and placing his leg in between the bars of the bottom cage, breaking it on his hip. We took him to the vet, got x-ray of the break and his first reaction is to amputate. I know that he will get over it, he was chasing cats today, then looked at us to pick him up and bring him in- he couldn't get up the steps, but it breaks my heart, knowing he is only 7 months, and still has so much time to grow. The vet told us of a place near our home, where we could get a screw in place for the break, said might be about 2500.00, when we went to see them, they said 3-5K. I really want another opinion or are there some sort of remedies where we can mend the leg by stabilizing it in an ace bandage or even a cast, without those outrageous costs. Anything that could be recommended would be greatly appreciated.
3318 Recommendations
Add a comment to Tank's experience
Was this experience helpful?
Has Symptoms
My puppy Melly has been limping around all day and has been guarding it. She has injured herself in the past, limped around for a day or two but then was fine. This time is different though, she hasn’t been putting any weight on it, cries, and has stopped playing with our other dog in its entirety. I can’t take my Melly to the vet for almost another week as we are currently out of the country. I understand I need to take her to the vet as soon as possible, but I was wondering what to do to immobilize it as soon as possible.
3318 Recommendations
Add a comment to Melly's experience
Was this experience helpful?
6 month old beagle, wont put any weight on back leg(right)
He has a small cut on his right knee? if i try to straighten his leg he'll cry and start biting
Does he have a broken leg?
3318 Recommendations
Add a comment to Lucas's experience
Was this experience helpful?
Our bearded collie has just had his cast removed, about 8 weeks after a fracture caused by jumping from a high ledge. His front ankle has been fused and plated. The surgeon has suggested very light exercise of just a few minutes for the next few weeks.
Barney is limping a little on his leg avoiding full pressure and I’d appreciate any advice do we can help with his recovery and avoid a deep limp. Many thanks.
3318 Recommendations
Add a comment to Barney's experience
Was this experience helpful?
Has Symptoms
My dog Charlie broke his leg when he was 6 months old it’s been a little over 2 years since and he just recently started limping so my question is could he have some kind of fracture in his leg? Is it easier to rebreak it since he broke it before? He hasn’t cried or anything but he’s limping so I don’t know what to do.
3318 Recommendations
Add a comment to Charlie's experience
Was this experience helpful?
my golden saint was on the oregon coast with us for crab fishing. we came home and two weeks later he was playing with his brothers. a few days later it was swolen. to him to the vet and found a hairline break in front leg. also the vet said it looked off so had a biop done. it came back incunclusive. went back xray showed not much change 6 weeks later it is swolen and has a sore. now they want to do another surgy to see if it could be fungul. he is only 4 yrs old and the only dog i have ever loved. i dont know what to do. i dont wnt him to be in pain. and if he sees a turkey he is off running
3318 Recommendations
Add a comment to shadow's experience
Was this experience helpful?
Has Symptoms
Hi, I have a 51/2 year old Rottweiler. He’s 115lbs. Back in March he was running around at the park which has uneven dirt floor. There was a small ditch that he didn’t notice and hurt his right hind leg on. He was limping for a few days but didn’t cry or whine. We took him to the vet and they said to give t time. We have it time and it seemed that it had healed and he was back to normal. Unfortunately about a month ago while
Playing with my mothers dogs he seems to have hurt it again. There are times when he yells or cries a little when he gets up. He walks on it but has a slight limp and when standing still mostly favors his left hind leg more. However when he goes out to use the bathroom there are times when he lifts his left leg and puts his weight on his right side and doesn’t seem to feel a thing. I had my vet tell me he needs surgery for a torn acl however he never took any X-rays at all. Should I insist on X-rays to be 100% sure this is what he needs??
3318 Recommendations
Add a comment to Rocky's experience
Was this experience helpful?
Has Symptoms
Last night my brother accidentally stepped on Marley's leg. I didn't quit see what leg, but then she yelped. We didn't think anything of it but then this morning I saw she is limping and won't walk on her left, hind leg. When I took her potty this morning she didn't run around and race to the door like she usually does. What should I do?
3318 Recommendations
Add a comment to Marley's experience
Was this experience helpful?
Has Symptoms
I don't know quite what happened but I left my new yorkie puppy in a different room to grab something and when I was in the other room a heard a loud shriek coming from my yorkie. Now he's limping and holds his front right paw up. Hes still eating, drinking, and going to the bathroom fine. If I rub the hand/leg it doesn't seem to bother him at all. It doesn't seem to be swollen at all. I have a vet appointment in a couple days do you think it's something serious or would it be ok to wait for his vet appointment to get it checked out?
3318 Recommendations
Add a comment to Chesney's experience
Was this experience helpful?
Has Symptoms
my chi Lucy broke her st cast fell off its been 5 1/2 weeks she's e to vet. this wensday she has a sore on her foot pad should only wrap it treat it or can she make it till morning 5 hours
3318 Recommendations
It seems that is has been more than five hours since you asked the question. But keeping Lucy’s movement restricted until you visit your Veterinarian would be fine; also ensure you keep the sore clean and free of debris as well. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Add a comment to lucy 's experience
Was this experience helpful?
Has Symptoms
Medication Used
My dog had broken both his front legs at about 8 months of age. An external fixator was put in one while a plate was put in the other. The leg that used the external fixator has no problems but the leg with the plate is the one he keeps limping on. First time, I went to the vet and he was treated with pain medication and had bounced back to normal within 24 hrs. A couple weeks later he is back to limping. He lets me move the leg, touch it, and bend it but still limps. Then after a bit will tender walk and next will walk completely on it. However this is happening to many times for me to just leave it alone. I'm wondering if the plate might be causing him some discomfort and would need to be removed. Thoughts?
3318 Recommendations
Add a comment to Rock's experience
Was this experience helpful?
Has Symptoms
Medication Used
Three months ago, my fence-jumper caught her back right foot in the ornamental metal on top of a fence gate, hanging from it. She broke it - not sure which bone - and twisted the tendons - the ones connecting to the toes I believe. The vet cast it and told me after the bone healed I could have (a specialist) "straighten those tendons out nicely." When the cast was removed, the skin was like raw chicken from pressure sores, so gross. I didn't notice till the skin healed just how crooked her leg is - twisted, somewhat like ringing a towel. Just how possible is it to "straighten those tendons out nicely"? She's getting around fine. She has a slight limp sometimes. Due to "the twist", her leg's a bit shorter than the other. Sometimes, she lifts it to potty. When she sits, she sticks it out to the side. She hates to be messed with - always has - but she lets me mess with her funky leg no problem. Is tendon correction worth it in recovery time, well being and money (something I would have to borrow)? What is it? Does it work? What's the recovery like? What does it cost? ... More background, she has recovered without surgery from bilateral CCL tears - one most likely partial, the other thought to be full upon examination and X-ray. Her and I know what that experience is like. Also, I own a 808nm Class 3B infrared laser I used to heal her knees and chicken skin. Though, I rarely have to use it on her knees now, it's still a tool at my disposal. Also, I forgot to mention, she's a small shepherd mix about 35-40 (she drops weight when injured). Despite careful management (short of a kennel), she doesn't adhere to taking it easy and limiting movement during recovery. I especially have a problem keeping her from jumping or climbing, except the fence now. This has always been a problem and has led to all injuries and set back her recovery at times.
1608 Recommendations
Add a comment to Harlow's experience
Was this experience helpful?
Has Symptoms
my dogs fractured his leg. we paris plasterd tht leg but now his paw is swelling up is it normal? he has no problem but its swelling and looks like bloodcot in his paw.
1608 Recommendations
Add a comment to happy's experience
Was this experience helpful?
Has Symptoms
Medication Used
About a month ago, my dog started limping on his front left leg, with no trauma apparent. About 3 weeks later (last week) he's no longer walking on it at all, holding it up, walking on 3 legs. Around the same time, he quit eating and does not want to go outside. He just lays around in his bed all day and cries. I took him to the vet and they did an x-ray. The vet informed me that the bone in his leg has deteriorated and the bone is hollow. She recommended amputation, but could not explain why this has happened. And why it happened so quickly! He is on Tramadol for the pain, but it is not helping. We go for our surgery consult next week. He is a 6 year old chiweenie mix. Until now, always very healthy. Do you have any idea what could have caused this to happen? And could it happen to his other limbs?
1608 Recommendations
Add a comment to Biebs's experience
Was this experience helpful?
Has Symptoms
Medication Used
Hi, our 7 1/2 month old French Bulldog mix broke her back right leg/femur yesterday, and we were told that she needs surgery on it. They didn't even splint it, just gave us pain meds. Is there any chance that we could splint it or something and it could heal on its own, with time? We don't have the money for the surgery, and we don't know what else to do. We have another dog, and she's been depressed too, because she can't play with her right now because of the broken leg. Please help us somehow, what should we do? Surgery or no surgery and see if it heals on its own?
My mom, sister-in-law, and my uncle all suggest that we don't do the surgery because 1) it's a dog, its a pet, and 2) we are expecting a baby in less than 6 weeks, and what if we need the money for the baby later on? And if it could heal on its own, then we wouldn't need the surgery. She may limp, but it'd be better than going into more debt than we already are. What are your suggestions.
1608 Recommendations
Add a comment to Ziva's experience
Was this experience helpful?
Has Symptoms
My dog hind leg appears to be broken. She is in her last stages of lyphmatic cancer. She is very obese due to the steriods, so getting her to the vet is not a easy thing to do. In her situation, is it worth having a cast put on or just keeping her comfortable & let it heal on its own? Or should I wrap it to give her some support?
3318 Recommendations
Add a comment to Ashley's experience
Was this experience helpful?
Has Symptoms
My dog broke his leg about a year and a half. They put a pin in it. It didn’t heal right because he crept on jumping on it. Now he’s stared to growl at me and he has bit me a couple of times were I blood. Is it because he’s still in pain or some thing else.
1608 Recommendations
Add a comment to Flea's experience
Was this experience helpful?
Has Symptoms
My 18 week old puppy jumped off couch and hurt her leg immediately took to ER Vet pup had broken tibula and fibula on growth plates in rear leg unfortunately can’t get an appointment until friday this happened saturday night I think this is a long wait i’m worrie according to them she fine to wait she not in pain and is walking on 3 legs but hold the one up keeping her stable as much as possible is this normal or ok to wait a week
3318 Recommendations
Add a comment to daisy's experience
Was this experience helpful?
Has Symptoms
I got a puppy for my nephew at 4 months old. She is now almost a year and has been limping. X-rays shows her femur on one side is half the other one’s length. What can be done to help this dog
1608 Recommendations
Add a comment to Sophie's experience
Was this experience helpful?
Has Symptoms
Please help me... My dog got bumped by a car and broke her leg. She is even pregnant for a few months now and my parents does not want to bring her to the vet! She is whining and does not want to drink, but she still tries to move...What do I do?
3318 Recommendations
Add a comment to Jackie's experience
Was this experience helpful?
Has Symptoms
We purchased an English Bulldog Puppy. She is 4. She fractured her right front elbow and it may or may not be dislocated. The veterinarian told us, yesterday, one area was fractured really bad (her shoulder) and would require surgery. We asked a few questions and she sent x-rays to another vet who said no her shoulder is fine, her elbow is broken. It looks like it is dislocated a little on the x-ray but is movable without a catch when examined. It was very difficult to see the fracture at all.
She was splinted and given medications. We were told she could come back in and be re-splinted each week because she is a puppy. She suggested we make an appt. with orthopedic surgeon for 2 weeks (we were told it was okay to wait as he was not available till then). Now we got a call today, saying she contact the surgeon and she said she HAS to have surgery in a town hours away and it needs to be done Monday (at a minimum of $4800). Yesterday, the total to take an x-ray, have it read by "2" vets and medication ended up nearly $800. While we do not want her to suffer, we wonder the implications of not doing this. Finding more opinions is what we would like to do, however, the cost to even go in has already added up to a chunk. I asked for the x-rays and copy of report which they gladly will let me have.
3318 Recommendations
Add a comment to Daisy Mae's experience
Was this experience helpful?
Has Symptoms
My puppy loves to get in the tub to lick water from the faucet. For the first time she jumped out of the tub and held her front leg up for a moment. She doesn’t seem to be in any pain and still wants to play, but I’m worried she might’ve fractured some part of her leg.
3318 Recommendations
Add a comment to Juno's experience
Was this experience helpful?
Has Symptoms
Dog's paw was broken, splint was put on and was healed.
Why does my dog's paw hang like a limp noodle after her cast was removed?
She tend not to use that paw and bends like jelly.
1608 Recommendations
She is not a puppy she is 3 years old
I have a huskey that just got in fight not by her fault at all not sure if broke or not but do know some times puts weight on it and yelps have given her a baby asprin to help with Spain should I wrap it there was a small puncture wounds that is all
Add a comment to Trixie's experience
Was this experience helpful?
Has Symptoms
My chihuahua was trying to jump onto the couch and hit the side, bouncing back. He immediately held his back left leg up, not squealing or whimpering at all. This was about 8:00 last night. He continued to hold his leg up so I carried him upstairs to bed. He didn't want to go out to pee. Even during the night and this morning, carrying him outside, he wouldn't try to pee. He will lower the leg a bit but will not put any weight on it. He doesn't appear to have pain.
3318 Recommendations
Dogs are stoic by nature and may not show signs of pain; dislocation, ligament injury or muscle injury may cause this level of lameness; it would be best for your Veterinarian to check Pico over and to give some pain medication, your Veterinarian can decompress their bladder. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
my dog is a beagle she broke of her lower bone of back leg we have applied plasters but they tend to get loose two plaster past and she still have broken bone and now this third plaster seem to be very uncomfortable for as she keep on trying to remove it. she had severe case of broken leg and she seems to be in quite pain. what should i do?
My puppy gypsy got hit by a car yesterday and her back right leg is swollen. How do I take care of it at home because I cannot afford a vet.
my dog Bell had just had a plate put in from a few weeks ago and she had just started to put it down she had goten the cast taken of her a few days later. Today she jumped of my chair and just started screaming and we think she might have broken it agAIn. CAN YOU HELP?
Add a comment to Pico's experience
Was this experience helpful?
Has Symptoms
A vet told us my Pup’s elbow was fractured. I immediately took him to the orthopedic vet as my vet suggested and the orthopedic vet said there’s no fracture and prescribed anti inflammatory pills and a form of at home physical therapy. My pup is still limping and in pain when I perform the physical therapy at home of just extending and flexing the arm. Should I seek a 3rd opinion?
3318 Recommendations
Add a comment to Gunner's experience
Was this experience helpful?
Has Symptoms
Dalmation abou3 years old, was hit by a car had to have a metal rod put in front leg, it has been over a year and when he uses the leg a lot it swells, and causes him to have pain where he licks and limps. the skin will even tear a little and bleed. Everytime we go for check up and they xray they say it is ok..Pain is not ok
3318 Recommendations
Add a comment to Ralph's experience
Was this experience helpful?
Has Symptoms
Hi, My 6 year old male Cocker Spaniel recently fractured his shoulder bone. The Vet advised it cannot be operated and it should heal with medication and time. a few days later he is reduced pain but does not eat or drink anything and refuses to take meds. Certain areas of his blood test results are low which is expected i guess ? SHould we worry about this condition and what should we give him to eat or drink? or should we seek second opinion from a clinic?
3318 Recommendations
Add a comment to Toby's experience
Was this experience helpful?
Has Symptoms
My pitbull got caught underfoot while my mother and I were moving furniture. She was not stepped on. She didn't cry or yelp at all, but she doesn't want to put pressure on the foot. She doesn't cry or complain when the foot or ankle is touched. Is it more likely that she broke her ankle or sprained it.
3318 Recommendations
Add a comment to Nikky's experience
Was this experience helpful?
Has Symptoms
Hey there,I just bought a puppy yesterday from a person who found her about a week ago. He said she limps on her rear left leg. She walks and runs but doesn't put to much press on that leg. Her leg is swollen a little but I don't know how long shes been like this or even how she got it. She's a happy pup it's her leg that bothers me. I don't have insurance right now but even so im worried I would be able to pay for her treatment
1608 Recommendations
Add a comment to Roxy's experience
Was this experience helpful?
Medication Used
My 8 week old puppy has a fractured Tibia in her hind leg and the vet put a splint on her and sent home tramodol. She is constantly in pain and yelps anytimes she moves or repositions herself. Is there anything more i can do to make her comfortable? I don’t think the medication is doing much due to her cries.
1608 Recommendations
Add a comment to Biscuit's experience
Was this experience helpful?
Has Symptoms
My puppy is 2 months old and was on the couch. She decided to jump off and landed wrong on her front leg. She doesn’t put weight on it, but when we touch it she doesn’t feel any pain and doesn’t whine or cry. She also still eats and uses the bathroom. Is this a sprain or fracture?
3318 Recommendations
Add a comment to Bella's experience
Was this experience helpful?
Has Symptoms
HELP!!!! I just rescued a dog tonight with a broken paw, I can visibly see where it looks like the break is a separation of cartilage. I'm an older unemployed individual with disabilities (although, not currently receiving benefits) and no savings living in the NY/NJ area. Can anyone suggest how I can find help for my dog, she is such a sweet dog and I would love to keep her!! Thank you.
3318 Recommendations
Good morning Dr. Turner,
Many thanks for your help Dr. Turner!! I will check them both.
Have a blessed day!
-Juliette
Add a comment to just rescued's experience
Was this experience helpful?
Oscar
Dachshund
12 Years
Tank
Rottweiler
9 Months
Nova
Dog
10 Months
Dixie
American Bulldog
11 Months
Dixie
American Bulldog
11 Months
Add a comment to Luna's experience