It depends on where and how the arm is broken as to how to repair it and
what other options might work.  A bone plate would be hard to do on such
a small bone.  Possibly a splint for 6-8 weeks will work if surgery is not
an option.  Since he is still real young a splint might work, but again it
depends on where and how it is broken.
 
Hope that helps,
Jerry Murray, DVM
----
 
It is difficult to make an assessment without the ability to see the
X-rays - to see if the fragments are in alignment, etc.  IF the breaks
are relatively clean, a cast or splint applied with the bones in alignment
may give a cosmetic fixation, and possibly even a functional leg.  Ferrets,
especially young ones have excellent recuperative powers.  The biggest
problem is keeping them quiet during the healing period.
 
As X said, there is always a back-up plan - amputation.  It sounds rough,
but ferrets tolerate it very well.
 
So I would not feel bad in going forward with splinting or casting, and
if all else fails, then you can always try for the tripod model.
 
With kindest regards,
Bruce H. Williams, DVM, DACVP
 
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[Posted in FML issue 3433]