Advice - growth plate injury

Hi
My littleman seems to have hurt his back leg when he got spoked yesterday by the window cleaners, X-rays today show a difference in his growth plate and vet wants to operate tomorrow and put pins in for 4 weeks, has anyone else experienced this? He is definitely lame on back leg and not himself so I want him better but is surgery necessary? He is 4 months old

Really sorry to hear this. If it was me I would want a second opinion before going ahead with the operation. Hope he is ok.

So sorry to hear of this stressful time for you.
Given the gravity of the operation, I too would be asking for a second opinion (maybe in a specialized clinic ?)

Purely on what you have posted, I’m curious as to how there can be a difference in his growth plate after only 24 hours. I’m probably missing out on something but despite a puppy’s growth rate at that age, this doesn’t sound right from just having spooked ?

Good luck, will be thinking of you.
Do let us know how you get on

Hi
Thanks for your replies I'm going out of my mind with worry
My post probably wasn't very clear, Bailey got spoked when the window cleaners came while I was out on Monday, he was in his pen and when I came home he had knocked his water bowl over (assume now he feel on it) and had hurt himself, he was cowering and shacking in his bed. I feed him if lunch and after eating just a small amount his back leg gave way I panicked and rushed him straight to the vets. They gave him some anti inflamitatory and I went back yesterday for him to have X-rays, they couldn't do these on Monday as he had eaten and needed to be sedated. It was these X-rays which showed the slight injury on his growth plate. He is still lame on his back leg this morning. I trust the vet but it's so hard knowing if we are doing the right thing putting him through surgery. The vet said its minor but this type of injury shouldn't be left

i assume that the bone itself is damaged? If so, it may well need surgery.

however, I would politely say to your vet that, given your pup's age & the severity of not only immobilising the injury, but pinning it and then removing the pins (another two periods of general anaesthetic) I would appreciate a second opinion before going ahead. You don't need to doubt your vet's word or expertise, but you need to make sure that it's the correct way forward.

I would add, though, that it's quite uncommon for a minor injury to cause such a problem in such a young dog - could he have already been carrying an injury & this has made it worse?

Hi
Now I look back at some video clips he may have already had some slight pain in this leg it's so difficult knowing what to do for the best. The vet is recommended and experienced so I trust she wouldn't put him through something unless needed. He is still in pain today and not his usual self so I know he is in pain bless him
This is my first pet so it's so difficult knowing what to do for the best

The vet showed us the X-rays and it's not broken but the plate has moved and there is a slight difference between both legs and the position of the plate it's the back knee one

Hi ya, welcome to the forum from Flo and me

This must be a worrying time for you, I think if I were in your position and you have confidence in your vet then I would follow their advice. Vets won't perform surgery unless it is warranted but we aren't vets and do only ever want to do the right thing.

Having seen the X-ray, if what he says sounds right then I would go ahead. A second opinion is always worthwhile though.

Do let us know how you get on.

Ok so we went to the vets and we had a chat, his injury is borderline so we are giving it 24 hours and some inflacam. Back tomorrow morning to make a final decision on whether surgery is needed fingers crossed its not

Sounds like a sensible decision, fingers crossed for you

Ah yes, I understand alot better now. Thanks for clearing that up.

Tough call.
At least you have a very understanding vet who appears to be taking the time to explain everything to you and to try an alternative.
I hope things are clearer for you tomorrow.

I’m hoping that for Littleman, “no news is good news” applies here

Littleman wrote:Ok so we went to the vets and we had a chat, his injury is borderline so we are giving it 24 hours and some inflacam.  Back tomorrow morning to make a final decision on whether surgery is needed fingers crossed its not

Any update?

---

Hi all,
Bailey is doing well and is very much on the mend, no surgery required so far and on daily dose of inflacam.  Back on Wednesday for a check up to be 100% sure he is healing ok.  Such a relief

Great news, please keep us updated.

That’s a very positive update.
Hope Bailey is well on the mend.
Great that surgery isn’t needed

Update on Bailey, we went to the vet yesterday and Bailey has been given the all clear and we are able to increase walks and get back to training which we did this morning 
Bailey is growing up fast now and weighs 9.4kg - he is 5 months old and getting cheeky 

Great great news and photo

Fantastic news! Thanks for the update and happy walking!

Fantastic news!