Dilemma - Puppy Injured

[SoSa]

My breeder contacted me last night, to let me know that our pup (4weeks tomorrow) suffered an injured leg when mama dog accidentally landed on him when jumping up. This morning, she took him to the vet and his little leg is indeed broken. The doctor said it is a simple greenstick fracture. He'll get a splint and will be healed in 4 weeks (just at the time he's be coming to our home) and won't have any lasting issues. My breeder has given me the option of choosing another puppy. I don't know what to do. I NEED ADVICE. We've fallen in love with him, but I'm also worried about any potential future issues. HELP!! :-)

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Poor puppy!

If you already have a vet, I'd discuss this with him/her and get advice as to what the long term effects might be. If there are any, pet insurance may consider it a pre-existing condition, and not cover it. You should ask the breeder to have her vet fax or email the records to your vet to be reviewed. if you don't already have a vet, I'd ask friends or neighbors for a referral.

I'm sorry you have to make such a tough decision. Good luck.  

[Amy and Annabelle]

I probably wouldn't not take him because of it, but I would not pay the full price for him either. You just don't know what the future holds because of it.  I think you have to be ok with knowing he could develop arthritis or something else down the road. If you are not ok dealing with future issues that may or may not occur, then don't take him no matter how much you love him, reduced price or not. Yes, I agree with having a trusted vet weigh in on it.  Poor little guy.

[Deborah Brown]

I would also ask for the vet records and consult your own vet.  It is entirely likely that he will heal just fine and not have any problems.  Because he is growing so quickly and is so young, the chances of a complete recovery are pretty high.

We had a foster doodle years ago who was about one and was recovering from a broken leg.  He is doing great years later.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I think he will be fine and the others have given you good advice.

[Adina P]

I second/third the suggestion for having a second vet give you his/her opinion. Just to be sure.  He's probably fine and will heal fine.  But if the other vet thinks otherwise, consider that what you're in love with is an idea of your pup rather than his 'true' self.  He's young enough to not have shown much personality to distinguish him from the others and I'm guessing you haven't met him yet.  You would probably love any puppy you brought home once he was in your arms.  So keep an open mind. 

[Ginny Nightingale]

Many people do not pick a pup from a litter until 6 or even 8 weeks, so I agree that you will be in love with whatever pup you get--however, I also think that this pup will be perfectly fine. It is a good idea to get your vet's opinion since the breeder could underplaying the whole thing--maybe your vet could call her vet to make it quick and easy.

But they heal fast and I am betting there will be no lasting effects--get a discount though for sure!!

[Cyndi, The Boys & Callie]

After he was ready to go home, Beau spent a week with a trainer.  She was (is) a very responsible lady that we worked with on Tank and Sully.  While playing with another puppy in the back yard, he got a greenstick fracture in his left hind leg. She felt horrible, paid the vet bills (although I had signed a hold harmless and knew it was our responsibility), etc. He was in a cast for about 3-4 weeks after he came home.  He had to stay in the crate to stay as still as possible, the little cast had to be covered when he went out.  But, he took it as a trooper, the cast came off and he will be 3 in July and is 100% fine.  Never had a problem.  I agree with getting someone else to review to make sure its a simple greenstick at 4 weeks, it may be completely healed before you even bring him home.   You need to make an informed decision that you are comfortable with which I know is easier said than done.   Good luck

[Debbie and Bentley]

I agree with all the advice here. If it is a greenstick fracture, that is a very minor fracture, and would heal very well. Your vet would be able to make that call. Don't beat yourself up, if you decide to choose another puppy.

[SoSa]

Thanks everyone for the great feedback. :-)

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Let us know what you decide to do and what the result is.  Thanks.

[SoSa]

So, last night after having some questions answered by the vet and after speaking to our breeder, we decided to choose a different puppy. It was bittersweet. We felt kind of like traitors but, while the vet does not foresee any future issues, she couldn't say for sure that there wouldn't be any because the puppy is just to young to tell. There were many unknowns and with this being our first puppy, we decided that we did not feel it was best for us to start off with an injured pet especially since we are an active family.

The good news is that the new puppy we have chosen is one that we had our sights set on from the beginning. It was actually a toss up between him and our original choice.

New pictures coming...

[Deborah Brown]

It sounds like you made the right decision for your family.  I can tell you will be a very conscientious and thoughtful pet owner.  It won't be long now!