Management

	Your dog has had both internal and external fixation of fractures to its hind limbs.   You should keep him confined to a cage or room for one week.  Activity should be reduced to leash walks for the next five weeks or until radiographs confirm fracture healing.  After care is a significant part of using external fixation.  Everything must be protected including the dog, the pin tracts, the side bars, and the environment.  Daily cleaning with a gently spray will keep the pear-pin granulation tissue healthy.  The site of fixation should be monitored for excessive discharge/drainage.   The animal should be monitored for chewing which would signify pain to the site of fixation which could potentially be due to loose pins or fracture instability.  The dog will have to be brought back in after six weeks, or sooner if problems are observed,  to have radiographs retaken to assess healing.  The dog will be sent home on antibiotics and it is important that treatment is carried out until the antibiotics are used up.