Taking care of a dog with a broken leg?

i would kennel the dog after you are leave. and just make her comfortable on the floor and make yourself comfortable of the floor too get food water and any comfort toys near so she doesnt need to move... I would personally do kennel time for the majority of the time that she is in the splint. think if you had a broken leg, you wouldnt want to move nor have to get up to eat... hope everything works out

I can not imagine how terrible and helpless you must feel. It seems like you have done everything by taking her to the vet. I am concerned, though by what you said about her leg being "pretty shattered all the way through." The vet thought that her leg could be repaired with only a splint. Are you able to take her into another vet tonight (emergency?)??? You could also get her some pain meds as well. Also, perhaps the vet might want to put a cast on her rather than just the splint. Are you able to stay home from work?? I think that your employer would understand the need for you to be home. If this is not possible, are you able to call on a friend or relative so that they could stay with her as you go to work. Try and make sure that she is comfortable tonight...and the 2 of you get some rest. Good Luck

First of all, it is inexcusable that this vet would let her out without any medication. Get another vet, and take her in as soon as you can get there. She should be on pain meds - but also antibiotics, as that shattered bone can get infected, and get into her system.

Given the shoddy care and direction you got, the aspirin was understandable - but don't give her any more - you don't want to increase any bleeding in the leg.

No matter what, she needs to be crated, with a big soft but FLAT mat in the crate, and a water bottle or bucket. You could soak and freeze her regular kibble in a Kong toy, so she has something to do - but only give it to her when you're there with her, in case she can't reach it.

She needs a petsitter, and shouldn't be alone for any longer than necessary. Her crate should be within earshot of your bed.

Once she gets proper treatment, I would fully expect the vet to want to see her in a matter of days - three weeks??!!!

I think this first vet should be reported - but only after you get your poor puppy the right kind of help.

If another vet suggests that the damage is bad nough to warrant amputation, give it some thought. Dogs adapt very well to amputation, sometimes better than a leg that aches constantly and is not well aligned.

Good luck - but you're right - the first vet didn't do enough, not by far.

Aww,,poor pup. You are not a bad person. You took her to the vet. If the x-ray showed the bone was shattered...it seems like the vet should have put more than a splint on it and he also should have recommended or given you some pain medication. Either that vet was getting ready to close and just wanted you out of there...or he didn't know what he was doing. I would recommend taking your dog to the emergency vet hospital and tell them what your vet said and also tell them how much pain your dog is in. Most emergency vet hospitals are open 24 hours (at least they are here). You need to get a second opinion for your poor pup. Good Luck!

This is insane. No vet worthy of the title would tell you to come back in three weeks with a dog with a shattered leg.

Do you have an emergency vet anywhere? I know some places don't.

OK, this is what I'd do until I could get to a different vet. First off, miss school/work/funeral/wedding whatever. It's just not as important and in a month you'll wonder what was so important that you didn't stay with your dog.

Make ice packs out of ziplock baggies and wrap in a towel. Have her lay on your lap and ice her leg -- 10 minutes on, 5 minutes off, or whatever cools down the leg.

I'd really hesitate to give asprin because it's a blood thinner and she may have more bleeding into that limb. However, if I were to be desperate and give it, use BUFFERIN -- regular asprin is too hard on the stomach. Massage her ears, tell her you're there with her.

And no, a shattered leg is NOT going to heal on its own.

Ice the leg, stay with her, find a new vet. Nothing is as important as her right now.

Chihuahuas are very fragile. If the bone doesn't heal properly the first time, the leg may have to be amputated. Keep him confined and don't let him play with the other dogs. No jumping, no running, and only short leash walks just to go to the bathroom. If it's raining, put a plastic bag over the cast to keep it dry. He needs LOTS of rest on a comfortable dog bed or pillow. The cast needs to be checked regularly. Call the vet - they should be happy to tell you what to do and follow-up exams are usually free. Check his foot every day - make sure there is no swelling above or below the cast. Make sure that his foot is the same temperature as his other feet - if it's not, the cast may be cutting off the circulation.

Your not a bad person, but your vet sucks. Find another one.