Reality check needed on if I’m being an overprotective owner.
My 16.5 yr old Lurcher had a plate and 6 screws inserted five years ago after being run over by an Amazon driver. Easter Sunday he scratched the scar with his opposite dew claw and exposed the plate. About 2 mm of plate can be seen. I rushed him in and they x-rayed and said keep it wrapped. No antibiotics, no topicals, no sterile wrapping material. Am I insane for thinking he should get antibiotics for an exposed surgical implant?!
Even with active external fixation (pins and screws going through the skin into bones) antibiotics often aren’t used. It doesn’t seem strange to not use them here if there’s no sign of infection.
I’d wrap this (with clean bandaging, it doesn’t need to be sterile–the leg isn’t sterile) and just keep an eye on it. If the skin won’t heal over the plate, a skin graft might enter the discussion, or the possibility of removing hardware, but that’s kind of a tough ask at 16 yo.
I feel for your pup pup–hardware sucks. Especially in those bony areas without much padding. Maybe you can work out some socks or something for him once this heals?
The scrape is all on me - he has quite a scar from it being an open compound fracture and I let his dew claw get too long. Coupled with spring weather, he ripped the scar right open.
Good to know. I’m little surprised especially since he was on such heavy duty antibiotics for what felt like forever following his surgery. He really does need one of the screws removed - but at nearly 17 we are just leaving it.
Oh man, I bet there were a lot of antibiotics with an open fracture. Poor buddy!
Just keep a close eye (as you undoubtedly are!) and reach back out to the vet if anything start looking wonky. Fingers crossed he heals up with no issues!
Thanks Simke!
The radiographs were reviewed by a radiologist this afternoon and they saw a lucency by the head of one of the screws. So he is getting some antibiotics after all. Here’s a photo of the handsome guy - ignore the dog sheets and half painted room!
That is a great face!
Thank you. He’s been by my side for 12 years. Everyone should be so lucky.
Heal up quickly, good boy!
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