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.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Here is a photo of the wagon that we tried when Lucy had her CCL repair surgery.  Once she started feeling a little better the wagon no longer worked.  Since you have a puppy the crate thing might work for you.  We had such a long rehab process that we opted to purchase the bike cart/stroller and sadly have had to use it way too many times.  It is easier to keep them in because you can use the hook inside or you can zip it up in the front. 

[Jill, Woody & Maxi]

I am so sorry to hear this story,  and wish all the best for Boomer.. You are great dog parents, I am so happy your insurance will cover this!  Wish you all the best..will be looking forward to his updates

[Julie and Max]

I am so sorry to hear about Boomer and I hope he heals up quickly.

[Anne & Mr. Haley]

Poor Boomer. Hope hhas a speedy recovery.

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

Sweet,sweet baby! I saw a couple the other day pushing a German Shepard puppy in a stroller. He too, had just broken his front leg.

[Lonnie & Libby Lu]

Oh, those sad faces make me cry.  Boomer you are still the cutest little Doodle ever!  Big hugs to all of you and a speedy recovery to Boomer!

[Emily, Bentley, & Maserati]

Poor Boomer!! I'm sorry you guys are going through this.

Our Porsche had a tibial fracture as well as some reconstructive ortho work. She had a splint, followed by surgery, a cast for 6 weeks, and hydrotherapy for a few months afterwards. She is now 100% healed. However, it was a 4-6 month healing process. You would never know that she had an accident when she was a puppy.

Good luck, I wish Boomer quick healing!