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.

[Oliver & Elizabeth]

I'm so sorry for you guys, what a stressful evening (and it was such a perfect Seattle dog park day)! It really is lucky that you were able to get in to your usual vet and that it was a relatively uncomplicated fracture. I don't have any experience with broken bones, but I hope that your visit goes well and Boomer feels better soon. We're lucky to have a lot of great veterinary specialists in Seattle!

[John Wang]

Yes, we have a meeting with Dr. Fry from Cascade Vet. Speialists tomorrow morning, and if all goes well, surgery in the afternoon and a speedy recovery after.. fingers crossed.

[Leslie, Yogi & Maci Bear]

Aww, poor Boomer and you guys too.  I'm sure that was so stressful.  Glad to hear as far as a break goes, it was a "good" one.

I have heard so much good about PetPlan, I bet you'll be covered.  Check when you made your first payment to them, I would think that would help determine when you began your policy.

Hugs to Boomer

[John Wang]

I finally got in contact with them. The paperwork is all in order (the blank parts were just things that didn't need to be filled out when I registered online, and the vet will take care of any final paperwork). I had already paid in Feb and have screenshots to prove it if they try to back out. The rep said this would be fine though, just submit the pre-claim process.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Wow, crazy how things can happen so quickly.  I don't have any experience with broken bones so I think I would just have to listen to the specialist and see which recommendation gave the best chance for pain free future.  One thing you will need to keep in mind though is that with PetPlan since your are going to a specialist (not your regular vet) it will only be paid at 80%, not 100%.   Thank goodness you made the decision to get insurance.  I agree with Leslie, see when your first payment was made.  Not sure what additional paperwork they sent you.  I signed up on line and there wasn't anything else they sent me.  Best of luck.  Keep us posted.  

[F, Calla & Luca]

Sounds right to me. I am so sorry to hear this.

[John Wang]

Yep you are correct.. specialists are just 80%, just spoke with an agent. I remember reading this but it didn't really click in my head. Still, better something than nothing, as this is going to start costing in the thousands (if the one visit to the vet yesterday was any indication of the cost!)

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I'm very sorry to hear this. I have no experience with broken bones, but I agree with Sheri; I would ask the specialist which option has the best prognosis for a pain-free life and go with that one. I hope Boomer does well and heals quickly.

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

What an awful thing to have happened to Boomer and I do hope he is not in any pain now.

Pet Plan in Ireland is paid at 100% after the €100 deductable regardless if you are sent to a specialist so it's obviously different in the US. I would say be guided by the specialist and ask if it were his dog which course of action he would recommend? I don't  like the new style that has crept into the medical/lay person discussion where they offer you a choice. They are the experts, it is up to them to make recommendations and then for us to weigh the information up. The idea that there are three different operations on offer and you must go and do a bit of (online) research and then make a decision I find unsatisfactory.  I am probably a bit over the top on this one but I have noticed it more and more and it's something that is slightly bothering.

I hope that the operation happens quickly and that the recovery time is very quick and without incident. Rehabilitation will be on the cards and if Hydrotherapy is a possibility then I would definitely do it. Boris is three months post operation to both shoulders and it is proving excellent.  I will watch out for updates and hope for good news.

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

So sorry.  No experience with broken bones but I hope Boomer heals well and feels better soon.

[Sue & Lily Grace]

So sorry this happened to Boomer. I hope he heals completely and has a trouble free future. I have a claim in now with Pet Plan. Part of the claim results from Internist visits but I have not had any communication with them as yet so I am not sure what they will pay. I am patiently waiting.

[Barbara B., Sasha & Oliver]

I'm so sorry and hope Boomer is feeling better real soon.  I would do a bit of research online and then frankly speak to the specialist on which course of action is best for Boomer.   If it were one of my doodles I would be asking what is the BEST treatment for my dog to live a happy, physical and healthy life.   Talk to your specialist, make a list of questions and get as much information as possible.  Good luck and please keep us posted.  BTW.... even though this was a accident and my Sasha had T-bone my Oliver really bad when he was a pup without injury.  Did you get the name of the person who's dog did this?  Did they say anything to you or offer help?