Dog amputation?

[bevtoy]

Thanks for the support. The leg that has a tumor is his front left leg. He does have some arthritis in his hind legs and I am worried it will make it more difficult on him. The medicine he is currently on keeps the arthritis under control but I'm afraid the loss of one leg will cause more stress on the other legs.

I live in the country and three legged dogs are not uncommon here, most floks have a extra measure of kindness for them. What is your pets long term prognosis ? I would want to keep my current pet and if the long term prognosis were good I would amputate and pray for the best, love my dog too.

 

[Amyn1274]

I live in the country and three legged dogs are not uncommon here, most floks have a extra measure of kindness for them. What is your pets long term prognosis ? I would want to keep my current pet and if the long term prognosis were good I would amputate and pray for the best, love my dog too.

The vet feels his long term prognosis is good. With the amputation he should live out the rest of his life (she guesses another 5 or 6 years) healthy and happy. I have decided to go ahead with the amputation. After doing tons of research and reading everyone's success stories, my mind is a little more at ease. It is a tough decision but the only way to prolong his life. He is such a good dog I have to do whatever to keep him happy and healthy. I am still nervous but trust my vet completely. It is not bothering him now and we are going to hold off as long as we can. Unfortunately the tumor is very fast growing so the vet feels within a month we will have to go forward with the surgery. From what I have read dogs adapt very well to being a "tripod". Thanks so much to everyone who responded. Like I said my mind is more at ease today. Almost everything I read was positive so that helped tremendously.

 

[Kim in TN]

Hey Amyn
What a precious baby you have. I am a Vet Tech and also an owner of a 3 legged dog. Nick was diagnosed with a nerve sheath tumor on his front leg, it was a great tension between a family member and my self regarding amputation or euthanasia, they felt like it was cruel to amputate. I respected this person and it became a large wound for me as I felt like I had enough experience to think I would make the right decision. Nick had no pain threshold, he has always been "very wimpy" over everything. So that was also a concern. Anyway DH and I did make the decision to amputate, the day of surgery I took him home with me (I could care for him at home) we lived in a two story house, and I slept downstairs with him so he wouldn't have to climb the stairs etc. The next morning when I woke up he was gone, I couldnt find him. Eventually I found him upstairs in our bed sound asleep and to think I slept in the floor to be with him. At least he was comforable Nick did very well and would run out the back door, across the deck and through the railings onto the ground (about 3 feet down) and never miss a beat.

My biggest concern with your baby would be arthritis in the rear legs. His breed alone makes him prone to that. If your vet thinks it can be controlled as needed with meds I definately say GO FOR IT!!

 

[Am_I_There_Yet]

What a sweet looking dog!

I would do whatever it took. Dogs are remarkably resilient.

Best of luck in your decision!

 

[Am_I_There_Yet]

I just read all of the posts and see that you've made your decision. Please keep us updated, okay?

You'll both be in my thoughts!