Bone fracture surgery for young dog

Meet Ebony a beautiful young kelpie dog.  On a Saturday morning her family were painting when suddenly she jumped through the fence and could not walk. Somewhat startled, her family carried her to the car and arrived at the emergency hospital. X-rays revealed a fracture at the bottom end of her femur.

Growth plates are soft areas that sit at the ends of the long bones in puppies and young dogs. They contain rapidly dividing cells that allow bones to become longer until the end of puberty.  These soft areas make the bones susceptible to breaking when they have an accident or trauma.

Fortunately, as Ebony was so young, she would have remarkable healing ability.  That night Ebony had surgery. The veterinarians placed two permanent stainless steel bone pins, shaped in a cross into her bone. These joined the femur back together.

When Ebony got home she ‘endured’ 4 weeks of confinement which is very restricted activity. This was a challenge for everyone involved. She has now healed beautifully and is happy back home.