Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

My puppy broke his humerus. Is a splint enough for successful healing?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Golden Retriever | Male | unneutered | 8 months and 5 days old | 60 lbs

I really need help. My puppy has accidentally broken his mid humerus bone. I took him to the vet abscess they did a X-ray which I will show below but the X-ray shows that he had a oblique fracture and the bones needed to heal back together. We have the puppy inside of a permanent splint to try to rejoin the bones as they heal and I am just wondering was the permanent splint the right thing to do and chances of successful healing????Thank you

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on July 10th, 2018

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Max! Sadly the X-ray pictures didn’t attach. Personally I would recommend surgical repair of a fracture of the humerus. Please feel free to repost with pictures. I wish Max the best!

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 10th, 2018

    In general external coaptation like splinting is not ideal for a fracture of the humerus since it is difficult to stabilize above and below the fracture. I am also concerned that there is not great reduction of the fracture meaning the bone pieces are not very close together. That being said, if surgery is not an option I think this is worth a shot, and young dogs especially tend to heal more quickly. I have seen dogs and cats through rescues that clearly had severe fractures earlier in their lives that healed, and many had good function of the leg.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My male dog's penis is stuck out and his scrotum has a painful rash.
Is your 11-year-old male dog experiencing a painful penis or rash? A certified vet explains potential paraphimosis urgency and why immediate care is vital.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?
Is your dog's dry skin a concern? A certified vet offers expert advice on finding the best fish-based dog food alternatives to Science Diet for essential oils.
Updated on February 04, 2026
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My small pet is limping and can't bear weight. Should I see a vet?
Is your pet limping and can't bear weight? A certified vet explains why a suspected fracture needs immediate diagnosis and safe pain relief. Get expert guidance.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Dog licking paws, fur loss, and jaw wound: Could it be allergies?
Is your Shih-Tzu crossbreed biting his feet, losing fur, or has a wound? A trusted vet explains these classic allergy signs and advises on treatments like Apoquel or medicated shampoo.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
Is there a chart for dog food protein biological value and digestibility?
Dog food protein's biological value & digestibility: A vet explains why data is complex. Learn to judge quality by company reputation and your dog's health.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why does my puppy have bloody, mucousy stools despite diet changes?
Your 4-month-old puppy suffers from ongoing loose stools with mucus and blood. An expert veterinarian explores potential intestinal parasites and advises further fecal testing. Find answers here!
Updated on September 23, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored