Adopting a dog with a prior broken leg - Need help

[Mazzy's Daddy]

My wife and I are considering adopting a dog from the local shelter. The dog we are looking at has a great temperament as seems like a good match for our family. The vet at the shelter said that the dog had previously had a broken leg and that it had not been set correctly before it healed (this is according to the employee at the shelter - we did not get to talk to the vet). The dog does not limp and other than throwing his leg out to the side when he walks, he seems to have no trouble getting around. We get a free visit to the vet if we adopt, but I would hate to take it to a vet and have them say that the prognosis on the leg is not good. I have had to return a dog back to the shelter before - that is not an experience that I want to repeat. And our previous dog we got from the shelter had to be put to sleep about 2 years after we got her after she got lymphoma. Obviously you never know what is going to happen, however, I don't want to put my family in a potentially bad situation from the beginning. My question is below.

Is there danger in adopting a dog that has had a broken leg that was not set properly? And what, if any, are the potential issues?

[Traci]

How old is the dog and when was the injury?

Unfortunately, you won't know the extent of the injury until a full exam is done and an x-ray to determine if the bone fused or is creating problems in development (if the dog is less than a year old).

There are surgical procedures available to correct some bone deformations, but only your vet can determine if surgical correction is possible or even necessary.

[Mazzy's Daddy]

The dog is about 2 1/2 years old. I don't know when the injury occurred. When the dog sits, he holds his leg up, but based on his ability to walk w/o limping, it seems to be a more a habit than caused by discomfort. I mainly don't want to bring the dog home then talk to a vet that says the future outlook is not good. Thanks for your help.

[Traci]

Well, the problem with shelter vets is they do not often have the diagnostic equipment available for advanced exams or treatment.

You won't know until you have him examined by your primary vet. I'd say if you care about this dog and are drawn to him, it's worth it to get him examined. If the leg has healed and nothing more is required, you'll have peace of mind.

[TheSkeptic]

The dog is about 2 1/2 years old. I don't know when the injury occurred. When the dog sits, he holds his leg up, but based on his ability to walk w/o limping, it seems to be a more a habit than caused by discomfort. I mainly don't want to bring the dog home then talk to a vet that says the future outlook is not good. Thanks for your help.

That is one of the sad risks of shelter adoptions, but even when people find that there are problems, I find most people do not regret their decission or choice.

[k9Karen]

My best guess is that the dog will adapt quite well to the injury, in fact, your description suggests she already has. The greatest risk, I think, will be the eventual developement of arthritis in the damaged limb, but that is managable. She may never walk, run, or sit quite right, but it may not be causing her any pain. I'd say that if she seems to be compensating well, and you are drawn to her, go ahead and adopt her, but get that vet exam quickly so you can be sure all is OK. I adopted one with hip dysplasia, and while I know she is in pain and can't do some things other dogs can do, I have never regretted adopting her. Angel is my sweetheart.

[Tambrey]

I would say to follow your heart...if this dog has taken ahold of it already...let her in and love her for as long as you can...