Posted by Diane
on 2/23/2009, 9:14 am, in reply to "Ideas needed- please read"
67.142.130.26
Depends on how long you left the cast on... because puppies are growing at suh rapid rate - cast are not usually a good idea for hairline fractures... it's better to not cast at all and use vet wrap for some support that you can remove every 3 days and replace to allow the leg to heal without creating a distortion of the bone as the puppy is growing...
I have had two pups that had this happen to them - the first one we cast like you did - the leg never regained full correct alignment. the second - I used vet wrap and replaced it every 3 days to allow the leg to grow poroperly = the second pup was perfect one healed, the first was delegated to pet status because of the leg pointing out slightly... and his hock took about a year to fully regain flexibility.
Sonce it's too late to undo it - make sure you give alot of massage and work with flexing the leg to see if it will improve with this type of therapy... swimming (they can and do learn to love it!) and alot of free running time will help - make sure the puppy is not kept in a expen or a kennel/kennel run-keep him off of concrete!... he/she needs ALOT of room to free run and play without having to turn back from a pen enclosure - the more turning he has to do the more stress on the joint and muscles... he needs long stretching trot (not forced!) in a straight line... or out running free to play in a BIG yard where he can move out on his own. If you are stuck with needing to trot him on leash be careful not to over exert him - this is a time thing that can't be rushed and over doing it in trying to exercise him will lead to other issues.
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