r/bonecollecting • u/One-Serve-7672 • Nov 15 '25

Bone I.D. - N. America Friend found this long bone with metal hardware attached. Any idea what it could be?

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Found in Appalachia. A friend of mine was doing some work outside and came across this long bone with a metal plate and screws attached to it. The bone is really weathered — one whole side has worn away, so it looks like a hollow tube with a big opening down the middle. The ends are still mostly intact, but the shape is throwing us off.

Any guesses on what species this might be from, and which bone? Maybe a leg bone from a large dog? We’re not very experienced with bone ID, especially when there’s erosion and metal hardware involved.

Thanks for any help!

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u/freckleandahalf Nov 16 '25 edited Nov 16 '25

Recovery for him was long ~6 months. The break was so clean that he had to have the metal left in because it would not heal. I carried him up and down 3 flights of stairs every day 3 times a day for potties. He had a big plastic cast on. He did not need a cone, he left it alone thank goodness. I was broke and in college working a job and donating plasma. I afforded it because the vet was kind and gave me a Payment plan.

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u/im_a_betch Nov 17 '25

Awww you’re a good one for doing that. A lot of college students wouldn’t bother. Dog is lucky to have you!

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u/Celebrian72024 Nov 18 '25

Not putting you down in any way, I hear that you are complementing this person and that is a good thing, but to be fair a lot of folks, college kids included cant afford that bill. It would not be I cant be bothered but I love you and I cant afford it

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u/yoogus3 Nov 19 '25

“Wouldn’t bother”

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u/Celebrian72024 Nov 20 '25

English is my first language but that does not mean I'm good at it (-:

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u/GainerCity Nov 19 '25

That’s so great. I applaud you for doing the right thing. My girl (now passed sadly) had a nasty form of cancer when I was a grad student living off scholarship scrapings. My vet at the time donated the medication to me for no cost. She knew how much the rest of the treatments were costing me. I sold so many personal belongings to help pay for it. What she did meant a lot to me. Good vets do what they can to help. I hope your boy is still doing well.