Analysis of the Dreaded "Anti-Licking" Devices: Elizabethan-Collar (E-Collar) vs. Comfy Cone vs. Muzzle

Aside from the exercise restrictions that come with most orthopedic surgeries,the worst part of having an external fixator is the no licking rule!  This, of course, is nearly impossible to follow 100% of the time - especially when your dog has nothing better to do than to sit in confinement and scheme how to conquer any and all "anti-licking devices" that you dare to subject him to - as if the look of total dejection and why are you doing this to ME? glares are not enough!

Below I'll illustrate my experimentation with all the icky - "no licky" devices that we've tried and summarize the pros and cons of each method. If you have a hound with a looong snout - you are definitely in for a challenge!

The E-Collar: Doom & Gloom Prevails!

Attempt 1: The E-Collar

To many dogs the E-Collar (Elizabethan Collar) is the absolute harbinger of death, doom, gloom, and destruction. Our Vet Clinic, VOSM, gave Taj a clear plastic e-collar as part of the surgery package to take home. To function properly, the E-Collar must extend beyond the dog's furthermost nose tip. This particular version had many nice features including: it velcros together, has softer black padding around the neck, and is made of clear (not translucent) plastic. Taj, of course, despises it's existence.While he won't try to actively take it off, he let's me know through myriad visual expressions how much he loathes it.

Comfort: C-

     Of all the devices, we've tried, this one is definitely the least comfortable. There's little give in the design. It works relatively well for warmer weather, the plastic stays relatively cool.
Cleanliness: B-   
     The plastic gets dirty with nose smears and has to be cleaned frequently. It is not kind to Taj's ear feathering which gets snagged in velcro & dirty from the nose smears.

Effectiveness: B
     After about 1-week Taj figured out how to use the fixator ring to push the E-collar back far enough to let him lick the four pins on the lowest ring. Also while not a problem with Taj, it looks fairly easy to slide off unless you attach it to a regular collar.
Safety: A
     There is no way that this lampshade is getting snagged on anything in the XPen or on the fixator. It seems very safe to leave on the dog totally unattended.
The "Clunky" Factor: D
     This is by far the most cumbersome of all anti-licking devices out there! Navigation is definitely an issue. .Taj clunks his head on all the XPen walls trying to turn around.

Food Factor: A

      Your dog can eat / drink with this collar - depending how you position the bowls.
Cost: A
     It seems to retail around $16.
Colors:
     Definitely would recommend a clear version compared to an opaque version.

The Comfy Cone: A Milder Version of Necessary Evil

Attempt 2: The Comfy Cone


Taj's best buddy, Richie, came to the rescue and sent Taj a "Comfy Cone" in a gift pack. The Comfy Cone is a fairly sturdy, stiff-cloth version of an E-Collar made of nylon fabric which is laminated onto a 1/2 inch of foam. There are elastic hoops that use to attach it to your dog's collar (allows for about a 1" collar). Taj definitely despised this less than the plastic E-Collar and seems to tolerate it fairly well.

Comfort: A-

     This is a more posh and cushy version of the E-Collar. It acts as a giant foam pillow and seems to be more comfortable for him to sleep on. It is not the best option for hot weather! We had a few warm nights, and the foam definitely retains body heat.
Cleanliness: A-   
     The cloth version does not get nearly as dirty as the plastic version. It can be easily wiped down to clean. This version also closes with multiple strips of velcro (have to watch the ear feathering).       

Effectiveness: C-
     After about 1-week Taj figured out how to overcome the Comfy Cone. The Cone is much more malleable than the plastic E-Collar. Taj has mastered being able to push it back to assess most of his pins. To overcome this, I place two 2" collars on Taj to prevent the cone from slipping down his neck. This only somewhat works - he can usually still lick the pins on the lowest ring. 
Safety: A+
     There is no worries here with snagging - the Cone is very soft and I feel fully confident leaving it on him completely unattended.
The "Clunky" Factor: B+
     This is much less clunky than the plastic collar. Taj has no problems navigating in it (even with the black color). He will occasionally hit a pen with with it. Overall the Cone actually seems to soothe him.

Food Factor: A+

     Your dog can eat / drink with this collar - no problems! The cone actually folds back easily to allow the dog to eat/drink and then you can fold it to the original position.
Cost: C
     It retails for around $40.
Colors:
     It comes in solid black and solid tan.Another nice feature is that is has a reflective strip around the outside of it for night trips outside. 

The Muzzle: The Lesser of All Evils?

Attempt 3: The Muzzle

While the Comfy Cone was the clear winner over the E-Collar (except when heat-issues are a concern), I still was not thrilled with the Comfy Cone. It was still a tad clunky, and with the summer approaching, heat would be a factor in the upcoming months. I researched several websites and found one last feasible alternative - the greyhound kennel muzzle. Please be aware that there are a ton of muzzles out there, so do your research! The greyhound muzzle would obviously not work for a pug! In my opinion, basket muzzles are the best. Make sure there are adequate vent areas for air-flow to allow the dog to breathe properly; plastic frames seem to be softer and more comfortable than wire frames. A dog can likely lick through the basket, so you need a plastic guard (often called a "stool guard") to prevent this. The muzzle actually seems to be the most humane option - Taj doesn't mind it at all (despite the photo above - which was taken when I first put it on). I bought Taj's muzzle from Greyhounds Only and ordered the Stool Guard option; they donate profits to their greyhound rescues too!  

Comfort: A

     Of all the devices, we've tried, this one is definitely the most comfortable. The halter strap easily rests behind the ears, there is a broad, soft plastic pad that rests on the snout. I have not had any problems with the muzzle rubbing yet (Taj wore it 2-weeks so far). In regards to heat, the dog can fully open it's mouth and pant with the muzzle on. The stool guard does block some air flow a bit, so I elected to drill extra holes through the stool guard (see below for images).
Cleanliness: A  
     The muzzle only needs to be cleaned infrequently. The halter strap does not upset the ear feathering.

Effectiveness: A
     This is by far the most effective device to stop licking. After a multitude of creative attempts, there was no way Taj could find (initially) to get around it. After 2-weeks with the muzzle; however, Taj - in a moment of absolute frustration - did manage to conquer the muzzle. He was able to snag the big side hole on the bottom of his fixator - which allowed him to lick through the lower side of the muzzle and just barely get to the pins on the bottom ring. The problem is that he couldn't get the muzzle un-snagged which could be a bit dangerous as his head was then attached to his fixator leg!
Safety: B
     Therefore - I would only recommend that you use the muzzle if you are home - in a semi-supervised situation! I would not leave the muzzle on if you are not in the house. If your dog is as determined as Taj and manages to snag the muzzle on the fixator - bad news if you are not home to free him!
The "Clunky" Factor: A
     The muzzle is awesome - absolutely no navigation issues!

Food Factor: B-

      Your dog can only drink with the muzzle on.
Cost: A-
     Muzzle: $14, Stool Guard $7.
Colors:
     There are lots of lovely colors to pick from!

Other Alternatives to Stop Licking
I have not tried these alternatives as I know they will not work for Taj's situation; however, for other breeds and for dogs with other surgicial issues they might work well. 

- Dog Leggs Therapeutic & Rehabilitative Products
- Procollar Inflatable Collar or Cloud Kong Collar (dog collars that look like air-filled donuts)
- Bite Free Collar (looks like a neck brace)
- Anti Lick Strips or Taste Deterrent Products

The Winner!

After over 4-weeks using all these products, I would have to declare that the "winner" is using a combination as appropriate. I prefer to use the muzzle during the day and when people are at the house. At nights, I actually prefer switching to the Comfy Cone. Taj has humored me and now passively acquiesces to using all these devices. Unfortunately until we get the fixator off (at least 2 more months to go), we will have to continue using these devices. I do give Taj periods without any restrictive device; however, when he's left unattended, he will default immediately to lick mode.

Putting on the Muzzle for the First Time
(I used treats to coax it on him).

Bucking the Halter Strap - Very Horse-Like!

One minute post-muzzling: "Excuse me... What? I can't Lick?!"

Three minutes post-muzzling: Saluki Resignation

"

Five minutes post muzzling: Totally Asleep

These are the extra holes I drilled to allow more air flow;
the guard comes with 6 holes, we upped it to 24 holes!
(Thanks Mike & Brenda!)

Video: That's How We Roll

Taj Crate Modifications and the B-Spec Wagon

 Modified crate with quilted bumpers

So I wanted to post a bit about how I modified Taj's old crate (which I first had to go find and pull out of storage). I created "bumpers" around the crate with quilted padding fabric. These are simply held up with string via holes cut in the fabric and tied onto the crate at regular intervals. I attached the bumpers so that his fixator braces can not catch and get caught between the crate bars. Taj also likes to sleep on his back, and again with a leg in the air, the quilting acts as a buffer system. Taj primarily uses the upstairs exercise pen at night, and I typically have the crate in the kitchen so that Taj can watch me while I cook.

I also worked on some minor modifications to the wagon - removing the front panel so that Taj can let his legs out freely. I'm trying to figure out the best way to secure him in the wagon so that if I am walking him myself I won't have any fear that he will jump out. I put Taj in the wagon today and just pulled him up and down the driveway to get him used to the idea of going for a new kind of ride.

Taj being very patient for his seat adjustments

Our installation lap

Woah, way too much mental stimulation for today...

The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

I am coming for you...

"Do not go gentle into that good night,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light..."

- Dylan Thomas

... in my saluki pseudo-rage

"This being {saluki} is a guest house.

Every morning a new arrival.

A joy, a depression, a meanness,

some momentary awareness comes

as an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all!

Even if they are a crowd of sorrows,

who violently sweep your house

empty of its furniture,

still, treat each guest honorably.

He may be clearing you out

for some new delight.

The dark thought, the shame, the malice.

meet them at the door laughing and invite them in.

Be grateful for whatever comes.

because each has been sent

as a guide from beyond.

- The Guest House, Jelaluddin Rumi, (translated by Coleman Barks)

Morning sunbathing in...

"Fall in love in such a way 
that it frees you from any connecting. 

Love is the sou'ls light, the taste of morning, 
no me, no we, no claim of being. 

There words are the smoke the fire gives off 
as it absolves it defects, 
as eyes in silence, tears, face. 
Love cannot be said."

- The Taste of Morning, Jelaluddin Rumi, (translated by Coleman Barks)
 

...the taste of morning

Jail Break Attempt #1

Taj contemplating his escape...
(possibly to get away from his horrible 80's style floral comforter!)

Taj has been feeling a LOT better lately and is much more mobile in his exercise pen. He seems to have a burst of energy from 7-9PM at night. I was cooking dinner later and the smell must have been too much for Taj because after gnawing at the locks on his pen, he decided that we was miraculously healed and that it was time to plan his escape. Taj decided the best way to do this was to rear up on his hind legs and half dance - half jump his way to freedom.

Luckily, my friend Mat was on "Saluki Watch" duty and was there to do a dramatic leap to catch him and successfully intervene so that Mr. Taj did not impact the ground. Ugh! This of course made me very weary, so Taj spent the night in his crate.

Escape foiled by new clear tarp roof!

The next morning I ran out to the fabric tore and grabbed some supplies. My experience at an engineering school (go WPI) was coming in handy! I strung up a quick exercise pen roof. Total cost was: clear tarp ($6), string ties ($6), hole punch ($3). The exercise pen is 48" high, but I strung the tarp at 36." This is high enough to let Taj sit and stand, but not high enough for him to attempt another escape. The clear quality of the tarp lets the light and sunshine in too! Thank you to Mat and Roberta for their help!

Taj checking out his new diggs!

Low Tech Solution: Clear Tarp, Hole Punch, String!

The face of innocence.

Taj still gets sunshine and his window view!

Taj's favorite pastime: Window watching

Taj plotting... no Saluki is ever truly defeated...

Plenty of head room...

This is a quick shot of Taj's "upstairs palace." This exercise pen is only 36" high. I bought a GoGo Exercise Pen UV Top / Cover in hunter green for $15. It is quite sturdy and has straps that attach it to the pen.

Week 2 - Vet ReCheck Pictures

Week 2 Recheck at Metzger Animal Hospital

We had our 2-week post surgery recheck appointment today at Metzger Animal Hospital. Dr. .Rider inspected the pin sites and stability and everything looked great! We just need to keep our routine up for 2-more weeks and then we have our first post-surgery radiographs!

Taj was a trooper. He disdains veterinary hospitals. He has had to be put under anesthesia four times in the past 8 months (Ugh)! He had a hind leg skin abrasion that requires stitches in September, a dental in November, and then the splinting and the fixator surgery. Hopefully after the fixator is removed we can stay calm, safe, happy and injury free for the years to come!

I do want to give a "shout out" of appreciation for the vets, technicians, and receptionists at Metzgers (as well as VOSM). They always try to usher us into a room as soon as we arrive so that I can have Taj lay down and keep him quiet and undisturbed. They are really kind and positive and genuinely care for the well-being of your dog.

Did I mention that I am not happy to be here? Even though 
the technicians are very nice and give me lots of treats!

Cleaning the Circular External Skeletal Fixator Pins

The fixator is an external device which means unlike bone plating it is not screwed directly into the bones. It is used to stabilize the leg so that pressure is removed from the fracture site to allow it to heal. Fixators are strong devices; however, you have to make sure that your dog does not  get it snagged on anything. This could cause your dog to become alarmed and to move in an unsafe manner, possibly further harming their injured leg. Stainless steel transfixion pins (quite thin in Taj's case) are placed through healthy in-tact pieces of bone to help transfer weight over the fracture. In addition, sometimes pins are placed through pieces of the fracture to help properly align and stabilize the bone. These pins are then anchored to the external fixator which consists of concentric aluminum rings held together with long steel supports.

Because the screws, nuts, and supports can stick out and catch on things, the long support screws are padded with foam and then wrapped with vet wrap to cushion them. I found that I also had to apply a small piece of foam padding and vet warp to one of the nuts on the top ring because it would cut into Taj's shoulder if he moved the leg at certain angles. 

The areas where the pins breach the skin have to be kept as clean as possible. This means that you cannot let your dog lick the pin sites. Currently, we use the large plastic e-collar (aka lamp shade head) that the vet has given us to prevent this. There are some alternatives to the plastic e-collar that I will discuss on future posts!

Pin Sites Before Cleaning

When you clean the pin sites, your dog may be sensitive (especially for the first 1-2 post surgery). I would recommend giving a painkiller (e.g. Tramadol) approximately an hour before cleaning. Because Taj had 16 pin sites for me to clean daily, this would take me approximately one-hour a day initially; however, with time at 4-weeks post surgery it only takes me about 20-30 minutes (both because the pins ooze less and I am a more efficient cleaner)! The pin sites have to be cleaned once daily the ENTIRE time the fixator is on your dog's leg. If you neglect to do this, you put your dog at risk for infection - which will cause your dog much pain and possibly cause the fixator to fail - depending on the severity of the infection.

Cleaning with Diluted Chlorhexidine Solution

I used to be a veterinary technician during my undergraduate years, so the cleaning process did not bother me at all; however, if blood makes you queasy, then you may want a friend/partner/family to help you initially with this process. To clean the pins, first put chlorhexidine solution (an antiseptic / topical disinfectant used to kill bacteria and help wounds heal) into a small container. Then you can use q-tips or gauze sponges to clean around each of the pin sites. I prefer q-tips because it is easier to control the pressure and maneuver; however, some individuals like to use gauze to "shimmy" around the pins as though you were polishing them. You dip the q-tips into the solution and then gently clean around the pin sites by dabbing with mild pressure removing all blood, dried blood or scabs, and general discharge products. It can take several q-tips per pin and I will usually keep dabbing until there is no more discharge. The pins may discharge some blood (this is normal). In addition, the pins may discharge clear fluid or clear fluid tinged with blood. Generally the pins that go through more muscle mass and that are closer to flexion sites will have more discharge. Taj had about 4 pins (of 16) that would discharge more regularly than the other sites (two on the back of the leg and two on the top concentric ring near flex sites). If you notice any discharge that has a pus-like quality or that is yellow, green, or brown can be a sign of an infection and you should alert your veterinarian immediately.

Using Gentle Dabbing to Clean around the Pin Sites and Remove Discharge and Dried Blood

Discharge (Blood and or Clear Fluid or a Mix) is Normal

Make sure when cleaning that you do not double dip your q-tips into the chlorhexadine solution. You do not want to cross-contaminate pin sites, nor the bottle of solution itself. I also used the q-tips to clean generally around the leg, from pins that dripped discharge, and to remove the scabs from the superficial trauma to the leg when it was broken. I noticed that as the weeks went on, the discharge grew significantly less. By two weeks, there was fairly minimal discharge and many sites had healed around the pin (though these still needed cleaned daily). By 4-weeks post-surgery there was barely any discharge from any of the pins. Cleaning became a regular routine and Taj would often fall asleep while we were cleaning (I think he loved the extra attention)! My friend Roberta helped clean Taj's pins quite frequently - thank you Roberta! Also, while you are cleaning the pins, it is important to monitor the fixator for any loosening of bolts and pins. If you do notice a pin or bolt is loosening, you should let your vet know asap.

Applying Antibiotic Ointment to the Cleaned Pin Sites

The last step after cleaning is to apply a thin layer of triple antibiotic ointment around all the pin sites. Again, I would use q-tips although it is tricky to navigate and only get a small amount on! Most importantly, do not let your dog lick especially after cleaning the sites!

Make sure to get around the Entire Pin

Successfully Cleaned Pin with Ointment Applied

Photos & Videos of Taj In More Normal Times

http://picasaweb.google.com/richard.m.hunt

Post-Surgery Prepatory Measures and Loads of Drugs!

So if you have a dog that requires external fixator surgery, here is a list of what you need to prepare for when you bring your dog home after surgery:

1. A Confinement Plan:

• An exercise pen just tall enough that your dog can stand in it but NOT jump up. You will also need plans to put a roof on it when your dog is feeling better (around 1-2 week mark) to prevent jumping. More on this in later posts.
• A crate can work for a smaller dog, but you need to be careful that the fixator can't get stuck in the bars. More on this in later posts.
• A small room (with no furniture to jump on /off) can work as well - the smaller, the better. Be careful of the flooring - nothing too slippery.

2. Lots of Q-tips, seriously go buy the 1,000 pack. No,  go buy four 1,000 packs! Congratulations - you are now the official new sponsor of Q-tips cotton swaps. The first two weeks, you will go through massive amounts of Q-tips to clean the fixator pins. Don't worry - this will decrease drastically by Week 3-4.

3. The biggest tube of Neosporin (or other Triple Antibiotic Ointment) that you can find.

4. Nice comfy padding for in the pen, crate, room. You don't want anything too high (like super-plush orthopedic beds) that they have to step up to get on/off; however, padding is definitely good.

5. Something to hide pills in (meat products, lunch meat, pill pockets, whatever works for your dog).

6. A method to keep your dog from licking. This depends on your dog's nose size. My dog has a freakishly long muzzle which makes this next to impossible. I would recommend an e-collar (clear if possible), a comfy cone, or a plastic muzzle with a lick/stool guard).

7. Social support. Seriously. Your dog is going to require a LOT of care. Make sure you get in touch with friends, family, roommates, etc. They are there to keep your spirits up, take shifts watching your dog initially, keep you sane and balanced in the long months ahead!

Day 4.5 Post-Surgery:

Today Taj feels much better! He is now barking and growling at noises again. He even let me sleep mostly through the night - I only had to get up once to help him reposition. I do make Taj wear the e-collar all night because he loves to lick his itchy pins!

Today Taj received a package from Becca and Jessie and their Pug-Pekingese Max. They sent yummy "Healthy Bones" and giant pill pockets for Taj's every 8-12 hour drug cocktail.

Taj's initial drug dosages (he's 58 lbs) are:

• Rimadyl, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (100 mg)1/2 tablet with food every 12 hours (2 weeks)
• Pepcid: (10 mg) 1 tablet as needed every 12 hours - give half an hour before the Rimadyl (2 weeks) 
• Simplicef, antibiotic (200 mg) 1 tablet every 24 hours (1 week)
• Tramadol, pain killer (50 mg) 1.5 - 2 tablets every 8 - 12 hours as needed for discomfort

VOSM also recommended that I give:

• Dasuquin, a glucosamine & chondroitin sulfate supplement. Dasuquin is a joint health supplement that supports cartilage production and blocks enzymes that break down cartilage and create inflammation within the joint. This is the only veterinary joint supplement with clinical studies to support its efficacy. Dasuquin is 1 tablet every 12 hours for the first 4-6 weeks and then down to 1 tablet every 24 hours after that.
• Omega-3 fatty acid supplements (EPA and DHA) from marine sources are recommended. Taj actually does not do well on salmon oil, so I give him some cooked salmon once a week and add some sardines into his food once a week as well.

 I now officially run a mini dog pharmacy! Taj's leg looks a lot less swollen then it did Day 1 Post-Op. The pin sites all look good and clean. After I catch Taj licking, I do re-sterilize the pins that he's licked with the chlorhexidine.

Happy Saluki Drug-Induced Haze

I'd rather have those Texans send me Steak!

Posing with my Pill Pockets!

Chlorhexidine (Taj's pin cleaning solution)

Taj's brother Rumi being especially "concerned" about his health

These are NOT Tiffany bracelets!

Circular External Skeletal Fixator (CESF): Day 1 Post Surgery

Taj's post-operative radiographs confirmed that the fixator was positioned properly and that there was good anatomic alignment. Success of a fixator surgery is largely dependent on the post-operative care of the owner. The most important post-surgical instructions are 1) being stringent with exercise restrictions and 2) keeping the pin sites clean and sterile. Undue stress on the implants can breakdown the repair. 

Taj must keep the fixator on for at least 12 weeks - likely up to 16 weeks. During the first month of recovery, he must have severe movement restrictions (only for basic functions). Taj can go outside for elimination purposes only (5 minute then 10 minute bath room trips - up to 4 times per day). Taj must spend the remainder of his time in an exercise pen, in a crate, or sitting with me on a leash. 

Taj will likely not put much weight on the leg for the first 1-2 weeks. Weeks 3-4 he should start putting some weight on the leg - using it every couple steps. The fixator helps work by transferring the weight from the in-tact bone above the break site to the in-tact bone below the break site; thus, allowing the break site to help while stabilizing the rest of the leg.

Mr. Taj in the back of SUV on the Ride Home

Close-Up of Leg 1-Day Post-Surgery

An Exhausted but Relieved Mom and Taj

When I picked up Taj, I was expecting for the worse, but was ready to see the "Franken-leg." However, when he was brought out by the technician, it really did not look that bad! The leg was swollen of course from the surgery - especially at the wrist joint. When Taj had the splint on initially (pre-surgery) there was some swelling and fluid retention at the elbow joint and lower shoulder - although this swelling was now gone. The leg was a pinkish hue with some bruising (a lot of this was from the break itself). The pin sites were very neat and clean and there was some discharge (clear and some blood) from most of the pin sites.

Taj came hopping out on three legs - holding up the fixator leg and had no trouble with mobility in this fashion. He was relieved to see me and to get home! Luckily for me once I placed him in the back of the SUV (with help from the technician), he simply laid down and went to sleep and stayed sleeping for the entire trip home. Although I was alone for the trip back, I would highly recommend that you pick your dog up from this type of surgery with another person - that way one of you can drive and the other can watch and check-back on the dog. Taj is fairly laidback and was exhausted so this was not a problem for me, but could be with other dogs. A dog would be ok in a crate post-op from this kind of surgery, but it is most comfortable for them to be able to lay down completely on their side with their surgery leg up - which can be a challenge in a crate with larger breeds.

Rumi Happy to See his Brother Come Home

I look exhausted in these photos because I was! We have a tough road ahead the next couple of months, but Taj is home safe and we are on our recovery journey.

Chris, Dave, Cindy, and Liza wish Mr. Taj a Speedy Recovery!

My co-workers made Taj these cute "Get Well" cards. They came to visit a couple days after the surgery to check in on the both of us. I made sure that Taj had constant 24-hour supervision for the week following his surgery.

RoboTaj: Lord of The Rings

This is not how a Saluki is supposed to look, but we are all grateful for the chance to help Taj heal so that he can run again! Taj has many nicknames - one of which has always been "TraumaTaj," although now this takes on a whole new level of meaning! Taj is very adept at letting you know exactly how he feels about things and has always been prone to be dramatic. I will go into some details of the external ring fixator system in the next posts.

Taj was definitely glad to be leaving VOSM. The surgeons did a great job, but Taj has never liked vets. Taj was a bit of a rebel-rouser post-surgery, and I actually got a call to pick him up a bit earlier than scheduled since he was not happy to be in his recovery cage. It is very important to keep your dog as calm as possible and quiet in the immediate days after the surgery and all Taj wanted was to be back with his mom.

Trauma Taj resting on the ride home in the back of the SUV

Taj's leg is swollen and tender after surgery (this is normal);
the yellow is from the betadine antiseptic

Surgery A Success!

Taj had extensive leg repair surgery at The Veterinary Orthopedic Sports Medicine Group in Annapolis Junction, Maryland.  Due to the extensive and complicated nature of his radial injuries, Taj was referred to these specialists.

Side View: Radius Broken at Several Sites (Proximal to Mid-Diaphysis)
and a Transverse Ulna Break

Front View: Severely Broken Radius
Multiple Breaks, Splintering, and Hairline Fractures

One doesn't have to be a orthopedic surgeon to see how bad the splintering is and how much this would have hurt! Standard bone plating with screws or pinning is not an option because of the lack of in-tact bone at the top of the radius. This is hard to see with the x-ray, but there is about 1 cm of in-tact bone at the top (there are hairline fractures that are harder to see). The break likely happened in a twisting / torsion motion.