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Expert: - 9/2/2011


Question
My 12 week old Boxer Puppy, broke her leg 3 weeks ago while playing. She has a non displaced spiral fracture of the back lt tibia. We took her to our vet today for a splint change, and she was x-rayed again, and the back view of her leg showed two bone fragments that look like they are breaking off. It doesn't look complete and the vet says it may reattach. I didn't have a chance to ask any questions and am stewing about it now. Did this happen because she walks around on it sometimes? Will it actually reattach? Or are we most likely looking at a surgical intervention? I can' recall the name she used when describing this complication, so now I can't research it! She's been having her splint changed weekly, should we be having X-rays' every week to keep an eye on it? Thanks for any help!!

Answer
Well it causes a sequestra which is bone debris that breaks off then the body usually rejects it and it heads to the surface.

It might just absorb or be reattached. It's kind of a wait and see deal mostly.

I wouldn't have it xrayed every time but certainly in another 2 weeks it should be.

Doubtful if it's from walking on it. That helps strengthen the bone and speeds healing actually.  

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Jana Connell RVT, CVT

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PLEASE READ BEFORE SUBMITTING TO ME: I am NOT a vet and do NOT diagnose diseases. That is only for a licensed Veterinarian to do. I will give you suggestions and steer you toward calling your vet for help. You can call the vet's office and talk to the technician there or the vet at times. Don't be afraid to call them! If you have a serious issue with your pet please post it to one of the veterinarians in here- I will tell you the same thing in my answer. IF your pet is injured or in an emergency situation, CALL YOUR VET- Do not wait and post in here. Just call the vet's office and get them in to see the vet right away. Critical treatment time is lost if you seek answers here when you should have your precious pet at the vets!! Don't sit at home waiting for an answer when your pet is critically ill or injured!! I can answer most questions about small animal and wildlife care as well as small animal nutrition. I can also answer questions about all phases of dental care for small animals. I DO NOT answer questions about birds (unless it is wildlife or songbirds) or HAMSTERS/GERBILS/CHINS/GUINEA PIGS/REPTILES/FROGS/RABBITS/PET BIRDS OF ANY KIND so please submit these questions to the appropriate sections. I, as well as other experts in here, do NOT do homework questions- that is for YOU to do! Please respect these rules for all of us. Thanks!

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I have over 35 years experience in the field of veterinary medicine. I specialized in small animals and did wildlife rehab for over 25 years, mostly raptors, squirrels and opossums. I am a Small Animal Nutritional Consultant with 6 certificates from Hills Pet Foods, CNM and Purina. I also specialized in Small Animal Dentistry which is a field I truly love.

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Audubon,World Wildlife Federation, American Society of Veterinary Dental Technicians.

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Licensed with California and Oregon, RVT and CVT. Certified Veterinary Dental Technician Have over 500 logged hours of Continuing Education Credits(that means I keep up to date!).

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Nominated for Expert of the Month for the last 5 years.

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