Dog splint on for weeks. Is it safe to remove it myself at home?

Hi there and thank you for using pet coach to address your concern. Generally speaking, young animals heal very fast, especially if the fracture is properly aligned. Six to eight weeks is the average time that we see properly aligned fractures in young animals heal. Sometimes even four to six weeks. I am sorry to hear that you have been affected by the hurricane. If the splint has been on for 6 weeks already, I do start getting concerned about bandage sores and confining the lake for so long without rechecking the leg and changing the splint if needed. The downside with taking the splint off yourself and not doing follow-up x-rays is that the fracture may still be unstable and as soon as that splint comes off, the leg may break again. If finances are a concern I would suggest applying for Care Credit to see if you qualify because you can use Care Credit to pay for veterinary expenses and make payments on a payment plan. If you do not qualify for Care Credit I would suggest checking with the Humane Society to see if someone can check the splint for you. If you are unable to do any of these, and I would suggest waiting one more week with the splint on as long as there are no signs of discomfort with the leg and no signs of sores developing near the edge of the splint where it is taped to the skin. After the additional week of leaving the splint on, you may then remove the splint carefully. I would strongly urge that you cage confine Jackson for an additional one to two weeks following removal of the splint. You still risk read breaking the leg if the fracture site has not healed and without follow-up x-rays there is no way to fully determine how much of the fracture has healed. I hope this helps! Please feel free to contact me if you have any other questions or concerns about Jackson. I am also available by phone or text based consultation if needed.

It is best to let your vet place the bandage back on because if it is done incorrectly or placed too tight it can cause further problems to the leg. You vet may always provide an e collar that can prevent him from licking thebsutures or the bandaged to help keep it on. If there is a discharge from the incision, it may need a different type of bandage or different antibiotics.

I would not recommend placing a splint at home. There is too much risk of placing the splint and/or bandage incorrectly which could cause long term muscle and/or bone issues if the bandage is placed too tight or the bones are not aligned properly. Also, the knee is not a very easy area to immobilize which is essential when using a splint. If you have not had Abi examined by your regular vet yet, I would recommend starting there. Your vet may recommend X-rays and pain medication and, depending on the severity of the fracture, a referral to an orthopedic specialist. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

Poor Becks! It's possible that he may have sprained or twisted it when he slipped. If he's acting okay otherwise, I would recommend restricting his exercise for the next few days to see if the limping resolves - short leash walks outside to potty, no running or jumping. There are unfortunately no over-the-counter human pain medications that are safe to give him, so I wouldn't recommend giving him anything right now. If it's a minor injury like a sprain, he should be back to normal in 2-3 days. If there is no improvement in the next few days, or if he seems excessively painful, it would be best to have him seen by a vet since he may need x-rays to help determine what's wrong. Your vet can also prescribe safe and effective pain medication for him if needed.

Bandages and splints can be a pain as they are difficult to apply, to keep on, and to create so that they don't cause sores such as what Tyke is experiencing. I recommend having Tyke seen by a vet. The sore looks like it needs to be clipped and cleaned, and MIGHT need antibiotics or pain meds. An e-collar to prevent licking and self-trauma will be important. You (or your vet) will need to find/fashion a splint for the toe that doesn't further irritate that sore. Ideally the sore would be left open to heal, but an e-collar is very important! Best of luck with Tyke!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I would take it off so you can monitor the incision. Also, incisions need air to heal. Make sure he has an e-collar on so he cannot lick the area and keep it on until his recheck appointment. Kisses to Lucky!

Hi! Thanks for entrusting us with Remi's care today! Lameness can be a sign of a few things that range from a muscle sprain to even a fracture. This could be due to this foreign body you described if it caused an injury. I recommend that you have him evaluated by your veterinarian so that this can be further assessed which will likely include radiographs. Treatment will be dependent on findings though at the very least pain control medications can be prescribed. Good luck! Hoping for a speedy recovery!