Guest jeremiahsmom Posted April 1, 2011 Share Posted April 1, 2011 My boy Jeremiah is 12 years old. He took a fall yesterday and was limping this morning so I took him in to our vet. He sprained his leg and the vet put a splint on it. He can't walk without help right now. The vet said that he needs a few days to get used to the splint. My immediate issue is that he just does not seem to be able to get comfortable. I gave him the pain medicine about an hour ago. I guess I thought that the pain meds would kick right in and he would fall asleep. My next issue is, what do we do in a few hours when we need to take him out to potty? I just am at such a loss. The vet said to put a towel under him and help him outside and then take the towel out and let him lean on us to potty. He is a bit frail due to his age and arthritis. Has anyone been through this that can give me some suggestions? I appreciate any replies. Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeorgeofNE Posted April 1, 2011 Share Posted April 1, 2011 I have never heard of a vet splinting a "sprain." Did he take x-rays, or is he just guessing? Dogs can get around on three legs with very few problems. I'd be inclined to take the splint off if he can't walk with it. My old dog had major leg surgery once, and the vet put this MASSIVE wrap on it. He couldn't hop up the stairs with it on (I lived in a basement apartment at the time, and I'm sorry, I can't carry 75 pounds up the stairs!) so the vet told me just take it off. So I did--problem solved. Quote Susan, Hamish, Mister Bigglesworth and Nikita Stanislav. Missing Ming, George, and Buck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OwnedBySummer Posted April 1, 2011 Share Posted April 1, 2011 (edited) It sounded weird when I first read your post... but when a human sprains a finger, it gets splinted. So I suppose it really could be a sprain? Must be pretty darn bad. Hang in there, Jeremiah, it'll feel lots better tomorrow! Edited April 1, 2011 by OwnedBySummer Quote Lisa B. My beautiful Summer - to her forever home May 1, 2010 Summer Certified therapy dog team with St. John Ambulance Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest IrskasMom Posted April 1, 2011 Share Posted April 1, 2011 FWIW I have never heard either about a Splint on a Dog. Vet needs to take XRays ASaP . If anything a little Bandaging for Support ( not to tight ). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Swifthounds Posted April 1, 2011 Share Posted April 1, 2011 I've never heard of a splint to treat a sprain, though I guess it's possible. I've always just done crate rest, pain management, and sometimes a light bandage. IME, where not absolutely necessary (like with a surgically repaired break) a splint on a sighthound is more trouble than cure. What did the vet say was sprained in the leg? How did he/she determine it was a sprain? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tbhounds Posted April 1, 2011 Share Posted April 1, 2011 Radiographs asap. Your hound should have muliple views done of that affected limb. There's a possiblity that the leg may be fractured ------ or worse (bone lesion). What pain medication did your vet send you home with?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BootsyCollins Posted April 2, 2011 Share Posted April 2, 2011 If you vet did not do an x-ray to determine that the leg is only sprained, and he's in that much pain, I'd want an x-ray done ASAP. If he did do an x-ray, I'd call and get a different pain med if you believe it's warranted. Good luck Quote Christie and Bootsy (Turt McGurt and Gil too) Loving and missing Argos & Likky, forever and ever. ~Old age means realizing you will never own all the dogs you wanted to. ~ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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