The Thank God He Still Has 4 Legs Thread

[Guest GreysAndMoreGreys]

If you don't already have one a muzzle with a poop cup or some type of protection to prevent him from trying to get to his wrap.

At first it shouldn't be bad but after I would say about 4 days or so he's going to want to get at that leg. Either licking at it or chewing at the wrap.

 

Also don't let the vets fool you about how long the wrap should stay on before changing it out. From past history it's better to change it more often than less. About every 3 days for the first few weeks is what I found to be best. As the vet to teach you how to wrap it up and if you feel comfortable enough get the needed items and do it yourself. Soars, drainage and too much pressure from a wrap can cause some nasty damage so change that wrap and change it often!

 

Also I'm a huge fan of Gluco and Calcium after a bad break, heck after any break really. Some are going to disagree with me on the Calcium but I've had good luck, so tried and true I'll stick with.

 

Also for about the first week rest and very short walks are a good idea. But you also don't want to baby it too much. Dogs in the racing kennels that are rehabbed from broken legs are turned out alone on a normal schedule as they use to have. Having him get up and walk around on his own will help him in the long run.

[Guest hannahmom]

He's coming home :banana

Fantastic news

[TheFullHouse]

Well I'm just catching up and my gosh how wonderful that they were able to fix his leg!!!! I have no advice but want to wish him a speedy, uneventful recovery and I think a glass or two of wine might help mom now!

[Chicocat]

Also don't let the vets fool you about how long the wrap should stay on before changing it out. From past history it's better to change it more often than less.

 

This is HUGE!!!!

 

It's unbeliveable how quickly a pressure sore can develop. They take a long time to heal. If he starts limping more with the cast, or licking it, etc. Have it checked!

 

 

[gazehund]

Good news Nancy!

 

I closed your other thread.

 

This one is all about healing Dem Bones and his family.

 

Thanks Wendy!!

 

 

Cody was out of his cast in two weeks and then I was doing every other day bandage changes on it. My other fosters were having the soft cast changed every 2 weeks for 6 weeks (different doctor). And then other people I know do daily changes on the bandages because of infection and wounds that wouldn't heal.

Protocols vary from surgeon to surgeon. Make sure you're clear about how Dr. L wants to deal with follow up care and specifically the frequency of soft cast changes and wound care. Sometimes the cast can slip down and then it starts rubbing somewhere that causes a sore. Or Bones might chew at the top of the cast, causing it to loosen. Might have to do an e-collar to prevent this, at least initially. Would suspect that Bones will probably be on an antibiotic like Clavamox for 3+ weeks to prevent bone infection. BTW, which leg was broken?

 

Edited to add: nevermind... I see that it's the right front leg. Yep, IV bag to cover that leg will protect against pee.

 

 

non-skid mats on every tile and hardwood floor that he might need to walk across ... I like the inexpensive 3 x 5 foot ones at Kmart & Target... small & manageable (both around the room house and to throw in the washer). Bathmats can work too ... much more cushy, but so much smaller (and not as 'livingroom'-like).

 

Done! We have hardwood floors through the whole house. I can add more rugs if he needs them.

 

 

If you don't already have one a muzzle with a poop cup or some type of protection to prevent him from trying to get to his wrap.

At first it shouldn't be bad but after I would say about 4 days or so he's going to want to get at that leg. Either licking at it or chewing at the wrap.

 

Also don't let the vets fool you about how long the wrap should stay on before changing it out. From past history it's better to change it more often than less. About every 3 days for the first few weeks is what I found to be best. As the vet to teach you how to wrap it up and if you feel comfortable enough get the needed items and do it yourself. Soars, drainage and too much pressure from a wrap can cause some nasty damage so change that wrap and change it often!

 

Also I'm a huge fan of Gluco and Calcium after a bad break, heck after any break really. Some are going to disagree with me on the Calcium but I've had good luck, so tried and true I'll stick with.

 

Also for about the first week rest and very short walks are a good idea. But you also don't want to baby it too much. Dogs in the racing kennels that are rehabbed from broken legs are turned out alone on a normal schedule as they use to have. Having him get up and walk around on his own will help him in the long run.

 

Got the muzzle.

 

Keeping his wound clean and dry is my biggest concern. I do NOT want an infection. I have 4 decades of experience wrapping horses legs so I am good with that. I just need to see how best to do it and I can do it every day if necessary.

 

Your experiences are invaluable to me. Please keep them coming and thank you!!

 

[gazehund]

Oh I wanted to tell you guys. Doc called at 5:00 PM. Bones is coming home at 9:30 tomorrow morning.

He said when he went back to check on Bones he was very surprised to see he was punch drunk stoned out of his mind...........and on his feet. 2 hours post op.

I HAD to say it........."Not so WUSSY is he?" He just laughed and said no, not at all. Lametard!!

 

But a good Lametard.

 

I know Bones will be much more quiet at home. I think he just wants out of there and to be here. He is doing great so far!

[Guest GreysAndMoreGreys]

2hrs post op and on his feet is AMAZING!!!

I think that right there shows you he should have no problems adjusting to home life on 3 legs for a bit

Can't wait to read the post that Bones is now HOME

[Guest wmlcml6]

Nancy, if your vet doesn't provide you with a "boot", Jenn and I might be able to get one for you - although it might be used. Our orthopedic vet has the most awesome boots that fit over the bandaging to keep the dressing dry. It goes on easily, and velcros at the top to keep it on. You don't leave it on, but it beats a plastic bag any day of the week. I'll see what we have on hand.

[ZoomDoggy]

Finally catching up now. Sooo thrilled the surgery was successful! Wish I could offer advice, but am thankful to not have experience in this matter. I will keep watching for progress reports.

[gazehund]

2hrs post op and on his feet is AMAZING!!!

I think that right there shows you he should have no problems adjusting to home life on 3 legs for a bit

Can't wait to read the post that Bones is now HOME

 

Me too!!

 

I am a bit worried about the fact he is so determined to be on his feet. He did that when I moved him from vet to vet. He had had morphine and some other drugs. He was cross eyed, his tongue was hanging down to his knees ( from the morphine I was told?) and he was really out of it, but still he staggered to his feet and stood the whole way there.

I am HOPING when he gets home and realizes where he is, he will calm down. He has to be exhausted from all this as well as in pain. I just want him home.

We can deal with the rest.

 

 

Nancy, if your vet doesn't provide you with a "boot", Jenn and I might be able to get one for you - although it might be used. Our orthopedic vet has the most awesome boots that fit over the bandaging to keep the dressing dry. It goes on easily, and velcros at the top to keep it on. You don't leave it on, but it beats a plastic bag any day of the week. I'll see what we have on hand.

 

Thank you Cathie. I have an image in my mind of the boot. We used to have one for the horses that made hosing their legs more effective. It was not closed at the top but I think I know what you are talking about. I will ask him for one. He is an orthopedic specialist, hopefully he has them. If not, I will let you know. Thank you!

[Madeara]

my tongue was hanging out too when I was on morphine

 

And they are always better home

Edited August 8, 2008 by Madeara

[KingsMom]

 

Yay for Bones!!! Feel better soon sweet boy!

[Guest IrskasMom]

 

 

 

I can't wait till Bones is home . I am sure a few extra Hugs will make things better

[greyhndz]

Today has been much, much better-er than yesterday for you and Bones, Nancy! I'm so glad that the surgery turned out so well, and your TLC will get him through his recovery.

 

I have a few things that might be helpful, and I can send them if you need them:

A can of Show-Foot (never leave home without it)

A Bite-not collar, though I don't think it works as well on front legs.

An extendable aluminum ramp, which can be used for the car or on the ground to avoid going up/down stairs. Mr. Ramp would need a ride from the NH area to get there, though, so if you know of anyone making the trek, I can hook up with them to bring it up to you.

I think I also have a pair of water-resistent booties that can be used over a splint cover.

 

You might want to PM "tigger", who's fostering a GAF broken-leg boy, now about 1 month post-op and doing really well.

 

And Bones will be home tomorrow morning - there's the best news of all!

 

Jordan

[gazehund]

Jordan, thank you! I am going to wait and see what he comes home with before I take any of you up on your very generous offers.

 

Guys, it's been a day. I am signing off and going to bed.

 

I can not thank you enough for your PM's, e-mails, phone calls , support and responses in these two threads.

 

I am thrilled my boy is coming home. I thank God he has four legs. I will make him right.

 

Above all, if we have learned anything from this. Please, please be careful with your gates and doors.

 

I don't want to ever see a thread like this again or any dog have to go through what my brave boy is going through. Please, be careful.

 

G'night and thank you all!

[Guest Winterwish]

Good night Nancy, Good nite Bones,

[Guest Pipi5]

Nite sweetie!

[snowjay]

Nancy, if your vet doesn't provide you with a "boot", Jenn and I might be able to get one for you - although it might be used. Our orthopedic vet has the most awesome boots that fit over the bandaging to keep the dressing dry. It goes on easily, and velcros at the top to keep it on. You don't leave it on, but it beats a plastic bag any day of the week. I'll see what we have on hand.

 

 

Thats exactly what I have for Cody and fosters.

 

 

[VinnieAndRexsMom]

Wonderful news!

I am getting at this late, but does the upstairs close off with a door downstairs? If not, I'd block it/baby gate.

 

Maybe I might suggest different things to eat and stuff to sooth his tummy in case the pain meds mess up his appetite or make him nauseous.

[carronstar]

No advice but so happy to hear he is home where he wants to be!

[floydieboy]

Yay, good news..... I am so glad it is a 4 legged ending. It will be a long and slow recovery, keep us posted.

[Remolacha]

:yay I am way late on this, but I want to add my congratulations to Bones and prayers for an uneventfull healing!

[Xan]

Checking in very late, and enjoying all the useful advice and links.

I got the same advice about frequent bandage changing when Brilly broke his toe. I'm SO glad I listened to GT and not to the vet! He still has scars from sores he got from the splinting they did. Definitely change often!! Lets you see what's going on in there!

Well, by the time I check tomorrow, he should be home!

:bounce

[Guest MomofSweetPotatoes]

nancy,

 

I'm not sure if I pm'ed this to you or typed it and it went into the digital beyond, but we've used adult incontinent pads (bed liners or chux if you will) and they've been lighter on the wallet instead of puppy pads. (We've gotten them at the adult incontinence section of target)

 

I hope this bit of info helps.

[Guest Winterwish]

hugs and kisses to Bones, you'll be back home in a little while sweetie!

 

I'm off to work now and can't wait to get back home and see how Bones is doing Nancy!

 

Edited August 9, 2008 by Winterwish