Hi everyone. I’m hoping for some advice or reassurance, especially if there are any vets or experienced dog owners here.
My 6-month-old Toy Poodle puppy suddenly became lame on his back leg and wouldn’t put any weight on it at all. We took him straight to the vet and they did X-rays of both hind legs.
The vet’s diagnosis from the imaging was “tibial crest avulsion” and they said it was a severe injury requiring immediate surgery. From what they explained, a small piece of bone where the knee tendon attaches has been pulled away from the shin bone.
They’ve recommended surgery to reattach the bone fragment with pins/wire.
Naturally I’m really worried and also trying to understand whether this is definitely the right diagnosis and treatment before going ahead.
A few details:
• Puppy is 6 months old
• Toy Poodle
• Currently not weight-bearing on the affected leg
• X-rays taken yesterday
• Vet says surgery should be done as soon as possible
I’ve attached the X-rays below.
I would be really grateful if anyone (especially vets or vet nurses) could share:
• Does this look like a tibial crest avulsion to you?
• Is surgery typically required for this injury in puppies?
• Is it truly urgent or can it sometimes heal with rest?
• What are the typical costs people have paid for this type of surgery in the UK?
• What is the recovery usually like for a small breed puppy?
I obviously want to do the best thing for him but also want to understand whether surgery is the standard approach or if a second opinion would be sensible.
Thank you so much in advance, feeling quite anxious about the whole thing