My puppy's broken leg: Will it heal without a second surgery?

They can definitely heal on their own and they heal especially well with puppies. However, it may heal at an angle, which can cause a life-long limp and issues with arthritis. This particular fracture involves the growth plate, which can increase the possibility that it won't heal correctly. The advantage of surgery is that the fracture can be aligned appropriately, which will shorten healing time and reduce chances of future complications. This would not be an easy surgery though and would likely require an orthopedic specialist to do it; which can get quite expensive. If you want to pursue surgery, then it's best to ask your veterinarian for a referral to an orthopedic specialist. Otherwise it's possible for it to heal fine with casting/splinting and time. I hope that helps and Ice gets better soon.

Hello, and thanks for your question about Furgle. If the fracture occurred 2 years ago, then your vet is right that he should do fine without the plate, since a fracture should completely heal within 2-3 months. If he doesn't seem painful, then I wouldn't be too worried. However, if you feel that there's definitely a change happening in the angle of his leg, then it's worth having your vet take another look. You're also welcome to post a picture and we can offer subjective input on the appearance of the photo. But, this doesn't sound likely to be related to his previous fracture. Hope this helps.

That really depends on how the fracture heals. If the splint/bandage falls off then you could take him to an orthopedic surgeon who could pin or plate the fracture internally so he wouldnt need an external splint/bandage.

Poor Otto! In general puppies heal very well. The only thing to watch for is that a splint can cause temporary laxity in the joint ligaments but this typically resolves. It is very important to keep up with the splint to care as described by your veterinarian. Hopefully his healing will be uneventful. Please feel free to post any additional questions.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Maya. She will need to see her veterinarian again or you may consider seeking a second opinion. I am concerned that the fracture did not heal properly. She will likely need x-rays to determine how the leg has healed and then I suspect she will require further treatment. In the meantime, keep her very quiet to avoid any further trauma to the limb. I hope this information helps!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sadly that type of fracture should be treated surgically. There is are tendons that attach there and a tension band wire is needed for an avulsion fracture of the olecranon. I would suspect it will not heal. If it has been 3 weeks you should have another X-ray taken to see how it is doing. I wish you the best!

Unfortunately the x-rays isn't attached to this question, so I can't fully answer your question. Typically, however, I will agree with the vet's assessment because they are the one who can see Floofer in person and make the best and most accurate assessment. Since a fracture pelvis can heal naturally, a vet will recommend trying that if they feel it's a viable treatment option. In this case, if the vet is recommended surgery, then likely a natural healing is not possible. Leaving it without surgery in this case could cause the pelvis to heal incorrectly, it may not be possible depending on the severity and place of the fracture in the pelvis (certain fractures in the pelvis cannot heal naturally and require surgery), and/or leaving it to heal naturally could cause damage to the nerves affecting his ability to walk correctly. If you'd like me or another expert to see the x-ray, please feel free to post again with the x-ray attached. Otherwise, you can take Floofer to see another vet for a second opinion. I hope this helps!