Splint care for young puppy fracture

Meet Lily, a young, energetic cavoodle puppy. This cloud of cuteness escaped from home. A car accidentally hit her just in the nearby street. Somehow, her family found her and rushed to the emergency hospital.

When she arrived, pain relief was given immediately.  Once the pain had subsided, she was taken to get some digital x-rays.  Unfortunately, the two small bones (radius and ulna) on her left front leg had been broken by the impact of the car. Lily was only 4 months old when this happened. Fortunately, puppy bones heal much quicker that adult dogs so her family agreed to have her leg put in a splint.

Splints have their challenges. First, she needed to wear it for six weeks. Second, puppy bones grow quickly so they need changed frequently.  Lily returned every 7 days to the vet hospital for a bandage change and vet check.  At home, her family used their  kid’s playpen to keep her from overdoing things.  Crates are also sometimes used, but with such an extrovert temperament this would have caused more stress.

This way of treating puppies when they have broken some bones is effective.  It works well for families who are able to dedicate time for weekly vet checks and able to keep the splint clean and dry. Very serious challenges occur with their skin if the splint gets moist. On week six,  Lily’s splint was finally removed. With a smile and a wag she departed with her family who were keen to visit the groomers and have some serious washing.