HI - my dog Fritz had a partial leg amputation.  Search on 'partial' to find my post on the initial experience. Since that post, no issues with him having it.  He does not chew on it or try to walk on it.  We are working with a company in Virginia on a prosthetic limb.  That has been challenging and frustrating - especially the long distance part.   We are still working on getting it adjusted so that it does not fall off when he is walking.   If you live near a company that makes them (Virginia and Colorado are the main ones I know of) that would probably make things a lot easier.  At this point I think you should wait and see if he needs it.  It is good that he likes swimming - that would be the best exercise for him.