Sprained paw

[Uzor]

My parents have a dog with puppies at home. One of the puppies were climbing a stool (about 60cm tall, fell down and started screaming in pain. I suspect it's a rather severe sprain (as the joints seem to have separated, causing the paw to hang loose), but my mom seem convinced that it's a fracture. Either way, she's at the vet now but will probably have to wait a few hours until they can see the dog.

Now, my question is to any vets on here; comparing a fracture or a severe sprain, what's the options and eventual costs? She's not insured yet as insurance usually takes place when the puppy is sold. But as she's an adorable puppy they've been delaying it as they were contemplating keeping her, and that would cause some problems with ownership of the dog (she's 8 weeks old).

That being said; if it's a severe sprain, what would the recovery time be, and would it be possible to take care of that at home, or would she have to stay at the vet for a prolonged time?

[Chiyaura]

Of course, without having the puppy available to examine, it's a difficult situation to appraise as far as the costs, etc. Usually, with a nonweight bearing lameness (meaning the dog/puppy will not use the leg at all) I would be highly suspicious of a fracture. Even with severe sprains of weight bearing joints (any of the joints of the middle two digits on the paw or in the leg) the injury may require casting or splinting to keep it immobilized and maximize the chances of healing properly. For minor injuries, or injuries that do not involve weight bearing joints, your veterinarian may simply prescribe a couple of weeks of cage rest (preventing your puppy from playing might be difficult) with an anti-inflammatory medication for pain, and/or icing the affected joints which can all be done at home.

The danger with puppies lies in fractures or damage to bones over the growth plate. Disruptions in the growth plate can cause premature closure and thus a cessation of growth possibly resulting in a deformity of the limb or problems down the road with arthritis.

I'm not sure as to the costs, each veterinarian is different. Big ticket costs might include a series of xrays or casting/splinting with follow-up xrays. A good series for a limb might run 60-100 dollars depending on the equipment and joints involved. Medicines and professional fees are usually lower in cost.

Best of luck to your parents that it turns out to be a relatively minor injury. And, I hope your puppy recovers!

[Uzor]

I'm hoping it's a sprain, because that would reduce the costs significantly. They woman at the front desk said that if it's a fracture it can cost anywhere between $2000 to $3000, and I'm guessing a sprain would be significantly less as they wouldn't need Xrays, correct? Or would they still need to do that for any other eventual damages?

[Chiyaura]

They would need to do xrays to rule out a fracture ; ; (and thus left with a diagnosis of soft tissue injury or sprain). Fractures can definitely be very expensive and may require surgery or long term casting which would require frequent follow up, especially in a growing animal. The 2000-3000 dollar estimate probably includes everything (follow-up visits, etc). The intial visit with xrays, examination fees, etc would be significantly less.

If it turns out to be a sprain your costs could vary depending on the severity and joints involved, but, I would hope they would be a lot less.

[Amelya]

I'm not a vet but if the paw is hanging loose like you said I would guess that is a probably a bad fracture. I don't think a sprain would ever make the foot dangle freely.

They will do xrays no matter what most likely.

If money is an issue you could try applying for CareCredit. I believe they give you 6 months interest free.

[Uzor]

We don't have CareCredit in Sweden, at least not to my knowledge.

[Uzor]

The vet didn't have time for Xray right now, but she said that if it is a fracture, it seem like the fracture would be in the small bones (metacarpus?) of the paw, and in that case bandages would be enough, so we're crossing our fingers that she's right.

[Lyrai]

From my experience, I've seen a LOT of dogs with broken legs and whatnot as puppies, it does sound like it could be a break, but they do heal up pretty fast. A Japanese Chin from my classes, Sylvester, broke his the same week he came home, so he was about 10 weeks. Was in a cast for a bit but was running around fine. The growth plate was damaged and his leg is slightly twisted outward, and he favors using the other leg, but beyond that he's perfectly fine.

It's a common occurrence, not a major issue but in terms of selling a dog, if it's not from a professional breeder (I don't know if your parents are AKC breeders or not) it shouldn't drastically affect a sale, though the cost of the medical care will be slightly pricey.

[Lucienne]

We don't have CareCredit in Sweden, at least not to my knowledge.

You can get a loan from Agria I think.

[Uzor]

Well, they didn't have to operate and a cast was fine. She looks adorable in it though:

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JwHFoYTf2H...3F%253D-712761

[Lucienne]

Well, I guess now they'll have to keep her. She just made the choice for them.
And she really looks absolutely adorable.