Possible growth plate injury

Re: Possible growth plate injury

Thomas Johnson — Fri, 19 Dec 2014 10:07:09 GMT

I should also have said that the soft tissue swelling has gone down and there is no pain on manipulation of the joint. He is a bit stiff when he gets up after rest and is intermittently mildly lame. He developed loose faeces on Metacam, so was switched to Tramadol, and has been off all medication for 3-4 days. I have recommended continued lead only exercise and review in 2-3 weeks.

Re: Possible growth plate injury

Thomas Johnson — Thu, 18 Dec 2014 11:13:57 GMT

So here are the radiographs taken today, I'm a little concerned by the distal diaphysis of both the radius and ulna:

Re: Possible growth plate injury

Malcolm Ness — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 10:48:13 GMT

[quote user="Niall Taylor"]

Why wouldn't you use dressings or splints as a matter of interest, Malcolm?

Niall

[/quote]

Support dressings are not completely benign, aside from the risk of rubs, pressure sores and wore, immobilising joints in young dogs can quite quickly lead to either excessive laxity or stiffness that can persist, (especially in younger dogs) and cause longer term problems. If there is any gross instability implying fracture or ligament inure, then that needs to be dealt with appropriately and will need more than just a dressing. If not, I prefer to get normal limb use and weight-bearing re-established as soon as possible.

Re: Possible growth plate injury

Thomas Johnson — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 08:30:39 GMT

[quote user="Malcolm Ness"]

I am not seeing anything obviously abnormal there and in any case, the radiographic appearance is of lesser importance. Only time will tell if there has been a significant growth plate injury.

[/quote]

Thank you Malcolm, that's very helpful. The dog is receiving Metacam, and I will stop bandaging it!

Re: Possible growth plate injury

Niall Taylor — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 06:58:59 GMT

[quote user="Malcolm Ness"]I wouldn't use any dressings or splints - if there is any gross instability that should be investigated and addressed but if not then I would keep away from dressings.[/quote]

Why wouldn't you use dressings or splints as a matter of interest, Malcolm?

Niall

Re: Possible growth plate injury

Malcolm Ness — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 19:18:21 GMT

I am not seeing anything obviously abnormal there and in any case, the radiographic appearance is of lesser importance. Only time will tell if there has been a significant growth plate injury.

I would give this dog NSAIDs to control any discomfort and encourage it to exercise almost as normal. I wouldn't use any dressings or splints - if there is any gross instability that should be investigated and addressed but if not then I would keep away from dressings.

The dog should go sound again fairly quickly and clinical exams every ten to fourteen days to make sure that the leg keeps growing straight. Check the elbow carefully. Repeat rads at about three weeks and if the dog is clinically and radiographically fine at that stage you will be home and dry.

Any persisting lameness or angular deformity should be investigated fully and early - most angular deformity cases can be managed effectively in the right hands.

Re: Possible growth plate injury

Anthony Dennison — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 17:54:25 GMT

Not what I expected at all, I take it back!

Re: Possible growth plate injury

Thomas Johnson — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 16:33:13 GMT

[quote user="Anthony Dennison"]

[quote user="Thomas Johnson"] Bedlington cross Chinese Crested[/quote]

that must be an odd looking dog!

[/quote]

I've just seen him this afternoon, the swelling around the carpus is greatly reduced from 2 days ago, he is much less painful, and is weight bearing on the limb. I've put on another support bandage and will see him back in another 3 days. And he's a lovely looking dog:

Re: Possible growth plate injury

Will McMullan — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 16:23:20 GMT

I'm not convinced there is an increase in width. The two lateral radiographs are not centred at the same point, the slightly more obvious physis on the L could be due to that.

Re: Possible growth plate injury

Anthony Dennison — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 14:49:44 GMT

I agree, there is definitely an increase in width. The ulnar growth plate also looks a bit odd?

Also:

[quote user="Thomas Johnson"] Bedlington cross Chinese Crested[/quote]

that must be an odd looking dog!