Broken Bone - What to do??

[John Wang]

Boomer was at the dog park today playing with another dog when a 50+ pound lab T-boned him by mistake (chasing a tennis ball), fully fracturing his front right radial. "Luckily" it's not near a growth plate, the fracture is clean and we were able to get him to the vet before they closed. (Props to my fiance who sprinted a mile+ uphill to get her car while I carried him to the main road..)

Right now we're faced with three options- splint, pins or a plate. Tomorrow we meet with an orthopedic surgeon to discuss the options, and I wanted to get some insight from anyone who's experienced this.

We're with PetPlan on their $100 deductible, 100% coverage plan. I'm a little worried because I signed up with them February 28th, however they only just sent me paperwork (I had to call and request them to send it today because I realized I hadn't gotten any confirmation) and the welcome packet has additional paperwork I was supposed to send in to them to finalize everything.. so I'm concerned this accident won't be covered. But the policy on my account online still shows that it was initiated in February, so here's hoping. His visit to the vet ran us $800. Can't call them because they're closed.

So yes, any help would be appreciated. Boomer's trooping it, though he peed himself (and on me) while I carried him to the car. He isn't whining anymore, ate a little and we're keeping him crated to prevent too much movement until we can get our consultation.

UPDATE: PetPlan will cover 80% of his surgery, minus our $100 co-pay. I didn't read their stuff clearly. Still, better than not having insurance at all.

Boomer's sedated and scheduled for a consultation & surgery on Thursday, we'll pick him up Friday morning and start his rehab..

Attached a picture of him at the vet. Can't believe how big he's gotten!

UPDATE 2:

Yesterday we took him to the specialist. He checked out his x-rays and decided that a plate or pin would not be necessary since the fracture was less than 50% displaced, and his ulna was intact. He realigned it a little more (apparently if it's less than 50% displaced, they usually won't try to set the bone.. I find this unsettling) and put Boomer in a padded splint and a Cone of Shame. Total cost out the door was just over $350.

We will need to have his bandage changed every week for six weeks, with an X-Ray at 3 and 6 weeks to see how it's doing. Minimum heal time is 3-6 weeks before we can take off the splint.

Almost a happy ending- the doctor said that if his growth plate was damaged (no way to tell except for physical inspection during his splint maintenance in 3-4 weeks) his bone in the leg will stop growing, meaning he will have a limp for the rest of his life as the rest of his legs grow to their full size :| Fingers crossed that they weren't damaged... ugh. Because his other bone was NOT damaged, it means his leg may actually grow SIDEWAYS as one bone stops its growth and the other one continues. ughhh

UPDATE 3 (5/6/14)

This update is just for people whose dogs might have broken a bone. April 30th marks the end of Boomer's cast needs, we had X-Rays taken at the Vet on the 28th, and on the 30th we visited the specialist who confirmed Boomer's leg is "fully" healed (no longer requires the cast). His legs seem to be doing fine, he limps while he walks but in the last six days, his limp has been going down to where he can almost walk normally. He gets tired easily on our test walks, but is thrilled to be able to go outside now. Just yesterday we tested the stairs and he still has no difficulties going up or down! Ironically, the accident was April 1st ~4pm, and his cast was removed April 30th ~4pm. Exactly one month on the dot.

COSTS: I am estimating the total cost was about $2,060 including the emergency visit, visit to the specialist, x-rays, medication, anti-biotics, bandages, anesthesia, etc.

Our total out of pocket cost thanks to Pet Plan (we've received 2 checks so far!) will be approximately $172. $100 deductible, and 20% co-pay fee of visiting the specialist for his initial re-setting and cast.

Our plan is the gold plan from Pet Plan, it costs us about $42/mo, 100% coverage, $100 deductible. Extremely thankful we took this one, his cost of care is equivalent to almost FOUR years of insurance. Keep that in mind!

Final update will come when Boomer no longer limps, and will confirm whether or not Pet Plan has paid forth all our claims.

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

I was wondering the same thing about the other dog owner. I hope he /she steps up to at least help w the deductible and remaining % not covered. As for the best treatment plan, I agree to become an educated consumer and advocate for Boomer by researching this and asking specific questions. Especially, how this will effect him in the long term. Good luck and please keep us posted?

[John Wang]

We didn't get the name but we know exactly where they live (they're in the same neighborhood just two miles off). They didn't offer help aside from apologize over and over again while we rushed off. They're good people. We aren't going to pursue them for anything because it was obviously an accident, just so happens to be our burden to bear. We're used to bad luck :P

We're definitely going to get him the best treatment. I confirmed with the insurance that they'll cover 80% of specialist costs, and there's got to be some ceiling to surgery costs (no more than $10k I hope :P) so we will happily cover the rest. We'll worry about recovery and therapy once his surgery is scheduled.

[Robin and Libby Louise]

You're a good doodle daddy!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

That is the honorable road to take, John, and one I agree with totally.  Accidents happen and we are responsible for our own family's well-being.

[Deborah Brown]

I have no advice other than what is posted.  Please let us know what the orthopedic surgeon suggests and how Boomer is doing.

It sounds like a clean break and he will likely bounce back with few problems.  We had a foster dog who was recovering from a broken leg.  Within a couple of weeks of playing with Charlie, he had built up his muscles again.  :)

[BG and Gavin]

Poor Boomer.  You must have been in a panic.  Glad you have insurance and I will send positive thoughts that everything will work out perfectly.

[John Wang]

It was crazy. I had to carry him half a mile to the main road (25 lb puppy howling himself and peeing on us in the afternoon is quite a spectacle.. my arm broke a few months ago so it was tough carrying him) while my fiance sprinted a mile up the hill to grab her tiny car. Backed up the road so I could get in (nobody honked as it seemed pretty obvious we were having a crisis, thankfully). The vet we go to is only five minutes from our house so we got him pain killers and a splint within an hour of the break. Thanks for your well wishes, I'll be posting up a better write-up once the ordeal is done for anyone else who falls into our predicament in the future. Not fun!

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

Gentle ((HUGS)) to Boomer. Sending some healing vibes and good job Mom and Dad for the race to the Vet.

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

Sorry to hear this happened to Boomer.  I hope he will be out of pain and healing very soon.  Keep us posted of his progress.

[Leslie J]

I'm so sorry about Boomer!!! I think as long as PetPlan has charged you there shouldn't be a problem. The paperwork is for pre-existing conditions, which this is not.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

PetPlan is closed today?  

They are currently on Facebook posting. Maybe you can get help there too

So sorry to hear about this accident :(  How awful, really.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Disregard above. I see now that you posted this last night ( re-closed)