leg injury question

[redripper]

So...I had a yard accident just about an hour ago. I had just got home from school and was heading out back to feed the dogs. As I walked out back, I noticed something was awry, Jade wasn't on her chainspot. I ran around the corner to see her and Nola were in holds. I'm not sure how long it had been going on but there was alot of blood. I tried to stay calm and think my way through. Nola was still on her chain so I pulled them over to the edge of the spot so I could use the chain to hold Nola while I pulled Jade off. Nola wasn't in hold so I broke jade and started to pull her back. As I did, Nola somehow got a hold on Jade's leg and started shaking. There was a gristly popping sound and Jade made a noise and she never wines about anything. As I was trying to get her loose, Jade tried to go back into her, which really didn't help matters. Finaly I got it broke up and tied Jade off to her chainspot. All in all it took about a minute and a half tops, but it felt like forever. Anyway, Jade was limping real bad imediately. She kept running to the end of her chain on three legs trying to get Nola. She's got a couple of bad punctures on the leg too, so I brought her in and put her in the kennel. Both dogs were cut up pretty bad, so I flushed the wounds and put bedodine (spelling) on them. I feel like I should take them to the vet, but I don't want to go for fear of what might happen. I don't want anyone taking my dogs and you never know what will happen when you bring a wounded pit bull into the public. I'm concerned a bit with the punctures, one in particular on Nola's chest, but mostly I'm concerned about the leg. Do you think it needs an x-ray? Or should I just wait a day or two and see if she stops limping on it? As for how it happened, it looks like a broken collar, which I've never had happen. I think it may have had something to do with the fact that I've been using the ring on the collar to hook her up with...I don't know, I've never seen a collar that big tear. Anyway any advice on the injuries would be greatly apreciated. Prayers for the dogs are ok too. As are prayers that some random neighbor doesn't try to report me...thats my biggest fear. Animal control doesn't understand that it was an accident...they see wounded dogs they automatically think dog fighting.
Thanks

[miakoda]

The dogs need to see a vet especially the one with the leg injury. For starters, the leg needs to be checked for any breaks. For two, even if the leg isn't broken, puncture wounds in a joint can equal disaster.

Believe it or not, not all vets think 'pit bull' owners are dog-fighting criminals. The most common canine trauma vets see are dog fights and this goes for all breeds and mix of breeds. It's nothing new.....ALL dogs will fight when the conditions are right. So call your vet and make an appointment and be honest with himd about the yard accident. Don't make your dogs suffer needlessly because you're too scared to do the right thing.

[frenchie1936]

you should definitely get the limper to the vet. no question about it. as for the other one, give her a good look over and make sure the isn't anything more serious than a puncture wound. shave the area around each one if possible and clean clean clean. make sure the wounds don't close up. pull them open if you have to. an abcessed puncture wound can be fatal. if it does abcess, ask the vet for some syringes when you take the other one in. use them to lance or suck the infection out. sorry to hear about the accident.

[screamin'eagle]

I agree with both posts above. There is a good article on wound care here on the forum, but the leg sounds more serious than the average owner can handle...http://www.game-dog.com/forums/article.php?a=144 . There is also a good one on a first aid kit for future reference...http://www.game-dog.com/forums/article.php?a=243

[redripper]

Thanks for all the info guys, I'll be taking Jade to see the vet tomorrow. In the meantime I'll be looking at that other thread.

Thanks again

[JRSPITS]

Take them to the vet. If someone does call animal control they could charge you with abuse or neglect for not giving them proper medical care. Since it was an accident, save the collar just incase you have to prove it.

[redripper]

Just to update everyone:

The Vet said that the leg doesn't apear to be broken. There may be some Joint/ tendon damage though and there is quite a bit of swelling so I need to keep an eye on it. She's putting some weight on it today so that seems to be a good sign. The punctures are what is important. I was sent home with amoxicillin and betadine, and told to keep them, clean. Nola's head looks like a beach ball, so she's on the antibiotics as well. It feels wrong to say this, but she looks kind of cute with her face all puffy like that. It appears that there was a laceration in her mouth that I missed yesterday and he said that may be a large contributing factor with the swelling. They both have quite a few deepish cuts, but apparently they look worse than what they are. He told me to keep them clean and flush and betadine those 4 times a day as well.

Moral of the story: tis better to spend ten minutes a day double checking your equipment, then to spend two weeks treating injuries.

[Marty]

Moral of the story: tis better to spend ten minutes a day double checking your equipment, then to spend two weeks treating injuries.Good time to bump this thread...

http://www.game-dog.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3265

[chinasmom]

I agree. I check mine every week now. Rolo got off one time, he just stayed in the yard, but the thought of another dog coming in the yard was scary.

[chinasmom]

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The dogs need to see a vet especially the one with the leg injury. For starters, the leg needs to be checked for any breaks. For two, even if the leg isn't broken, puncture wounds in a joint can equal disaster.


Absolutely, go to the vet. Bone injuries can cause the amputation of the leg or Osteomyelitus. I had a post on here about one of my little terriers who had a run in with a APBT. He was on Keflex for three weeks and his leg still looks a little different. Hope all works out well for you.

[miakoda]

Kudos to you for doing the RIGHT thing. :) We cannot live our lives in fear of the "what if" and someone else was right when they said you most definitely could face animal cruelty/neglect charges for failing to seek medical attention.

Sometimes you just have to trust people and in this case you were shown that the vet was more than happy to help your dogs and even you out.

I hope your dogs get to feeling better soon. And remember to finish ALL the antibiotics even when they start acting their old selves again!

Also, I suggest a recheck by the vet at the end of the 2 week period for the dog with the leg injury. Take care!