Broken Jaw twice

Question
Our shitzu puppy broke her jaw while playing. she had surgery within 24 hrs.The vet put in a metal plate and some pins. She was recovering very well eating drinking playing and behaving great. 2 days shy of her checkup xrays she started crying and going crazy. I looked in her mouth and there was a large bone sticking out,same location it appeared. The vet did another surgery. They said the bone seemed to be infected(she had taken her full dose of antibiotics first time around.)The first surgery had been succesfull but the bone in front was necratic.They ended up removing that section of her Jaw. Any ideas how this could happen she is only 5months old,from a reputable breeder well taken care of at home during her recovery .Im worried this may happen again.Or she may have future problems.How can we prevent more infections,an or another break.

Answer
Christine,

Unfortunately, you and your puppy have entered the insane world of medical complications.  As medical professionals, we do our best to do everything to prevent complications and anticipate complications.  But.  We can not foresee all the things that can and do happen with medical procedures.

I am suspicious that your puppy broke a jaw while just playing.  I wonder if her bones are somehow not as strong as they should be?  But the infection after and the second break and infection is simply a possible complication of any orthopedic surgery even after antibiotics are used.

If you need more answers I recommend that you seek a second opinion from a board certified veterinary surgeon.  They can be found at veterinary schools around the country and in most major cities.

As to worrying about future problems?  Again, I would ask your vet or a veterinary surgeon if her bones are normal.  If they are, then she is no more likely to have another fracture than any other dog.  If they are not normal, you may need to start looking for an answer to why the bones are brittle.  In a puppy, it is usually due to a congenital endocrine disorder.

Good luck to you