Hi

[Dogmum]

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Hi there im looking for advice

 

[JoanneF]

We will be happy to help if we can. Do you want to give some details on what you need support with?

 

[Dogmum]

We will be happy to help if we can. Do you want to give some details on what you need support with?

We will be happy to help if we can. Do you want to give some details on what you need support with?

thankyou,im in a dilemma,my dog broke hes leg 3 mths ago,he had surgery and has plates in it hes been on alot of meds,ive done everything i was told,keeping him caged ect,the problem is hes limping and vet said its because its painful and if hes still limping in couple months he will have to have surgery to remove the plate,also he has colitis which the meds have made worse,i want my boy better but i dont want him in pain and also more surgery means another 3 months of cage rest,i dont know what is best for my boy,will he understand why hes caged?i dont know how much pain hes in?

 

[JudyN]

Oh, (((((hugs))))), it must be so difficult for you. Can I ask how old he is, what breed he is, and how his general health was before his accident? And how does he seem in himself when he's limping? Does he soldier on, or is he more reluctant to go on walks?

Have you discussed the colitis with your vet? When my dog needed anti-inflammatories, we tried a couple of different ones, both of which gave him colitis, but then we tried another, and it was third time lucky - it suited him just fine. There are also injectible anti-inflammatories now - I've no idea what meds are causing your dog's colitis, but the vet might be able to suggest alternatives.

You might want to ask to be referred to a bone/joint specialist vet, as it is an important decision you need to make. Good luck xx

 

[Dogmum]

Oh, (((((hugs))))), it must be so difficult for you. Can I ask how old he is, what breed he is, and how his general health was before his accident? And how does he seem in himself when he's limping? Does he soldier on, or is he more reluctant to go on walks?

Have you discussed the colitis with your vet? When my dog needed anti-inflammatories, we tried a couple of different ones, both of which gave him colitis, but then we tried another, and it was third time lucky - it suited him just fine. There are also injectible anti-inflammatories now - I've no idea what meds are causing your dog's colitis, but the vet might be able to suggest alternatives.

You might want to ask to be referred to a bone/joint specialist vet, as it is an important decision you need to make. Good luck xx

Thankyou so much,hes just turned 6,hes a spaniel,i love him so much hes my baby,apart from colitis hes always been a energetic happy boy he never stops wagging hes tail,when he broke hes leg he dident cry or anything he just held hes arm up looking at me as if to say help me mum,and since the surgery he still wags hes tail and tries walking on hes leg even though it hurts him,hes under the orthopedic vets,he licks hes leg which the vet said was because it hurts him,hes good as gold in the cage but it breaks my heart to see him in it for such a long time and more surgery means another 3 months being caged,i feel like he thinks i dont love him because hes caged so much,it was a bad break and i was told he wouldent cope on 3 legs,i will ask about hes colitis,he just doesent show when hes in pain,

 

[JudyN]

I don't know if it will help, but there's an article on mental enrichment for dogs here, which might give you some ideas for things he can enjoy while resting: Mental enrichment for dogs

Also, I'm sure an internet search will bring up a lot more ideas. Hopefully you'll find something he really enjoys - though be careful with the calories if it involves treats, as gaining weight won't help his leg!

Also, have you considered taking him for walks in a dog buggy, so he can at least get out and about in the fresh air? @JoanneF used one recently for her dog when he had to rest an injury.

 

[JoanneF]

I did use a buggy.

Something else to add is that dogs don't read their care plans - my dog was limping a lot longer than expected. My vet also said smaller dogs cope well on three legs (far better than bigger dogs) so they tend to favour the sore one for longer, because if they can manage well on three, why would they bother using the 4th if there is any discomfort at all?

My boy has recovered now. His insurance also covered hydrotherapy, that might be something else to consider.

 

[Tinytom]

Many years ago when victor broke his hock on his back leg he had to have the pin removed as it was causing more problems than it was doing good ...in hindsight i wished i had amputated his leg as his was such a bad break ...he used it but only as a prop and it became a problem as he got older ...i am suprised your vet would suggest he wouldnt do well on 3 legs especially as its a back leg ..dogs adapt very quickly and it has to be his quality of life ....perhaps removing the plate will help your boy longterm ...
Its so distressing as we cant tell them why they are in pain and why they are in a crate ...
Keep us updated xx

 

[Hemlock]

Having plated fractures myself, I can add that they hurt for a lot longer than it takes for the fracture to heal. You can have the plates out any time, or leave them in, but his timescale will be his own. He may always limp. As long as he's happy and can lead a normal life, it doesn't matter if he's a bit gimpy. You are such a caring owner, and it's clear he's in good hands. It all takes time.