Tripawds Three Legged Dog & Cat Forum Archives
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Hi. I'm new to the forums and have really enjoyed and appreciated reading what everyone has had to say!
I am happy to say that, fortunately our Cavalier King Charles spaniel - Rosie - does not have cancer. My sympathy goes out to all of you that have had to make decisions regarding your beloved pets!
However, we are having to decide between amputation of her front right leg or possibly surgery and fusing of her elbow joint.
The elbow joint was damaged when she was around 8 weeks old (we didn't know that when we bought her from breeder!). We knew she had a slight limp - but breeder assured us that it was a poorly healed break to upper bone (femur?), and that she would be perfectly healthy otherwise. We were more than happy to rescue her - not sure what would've happened to a puppy with a limp in a show breeders kennel.
As time has gone on - Rosie is now two - the limp has become more pronounced. Recently had leg xrayed, only to find out that elbow joint is completely broken, smashed and unrepairable. Loose pieces of bone, cartliage and tendon all mixed uptogether is what it looks like in xray. Vet unable to say how she can still be walking around - let alone running (but she does!).
We have a nine year old daughter - and Rosie is the love of her life! Amputation is quite confronting for her and we would really prefer not to do it if we don't have to! Not sure if fusing the joint is the right thing to do either?
Does anyone have anything to contribute to my decision making?
Thank you for your time.
11:21 am
Team Tripawds
Administrators
25 September 2009
Offline
tarablue said:
Does anyone have anything to contribute to my decision making?
Plenty! First of all, welcome and thanks for joining. We're sorry to hear about Rosie, but glad you found us.
Every dog is different, but based on the experiences of members reported here in these forums, most do better without the limb than having it fused.
We are by no means advocating amputation if it's unnecessary, but we have heard from too many people who put there dogs through multiple, painful, expensive surgeries only to proceed with amputation anyway. The chances for infection and/or the fuse not taking, are just a couple reasons for considering amputation.
Hopefully you'll hear from Cometdog, who is an honorary tripawd who gets along just fine with a "fused" limb. As for helping your daughter cope with the situation, be sure to show her some ofthe amazing videos of tripawds Loving Life On Three Legs , including many of our own Wyatt running or Jerry playing and swimming.
You may also find some of these books helpful for teach young children about canine amputation and three legged dogs.
As a young, small dog, Rosie should adapt quickly and manage quite well. Best wishes in the decisions you face, please keep us posted.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
5:17 pm
Vet Expert
Vets
Members
23 August 2008
Offline
It would really depend on how much scar tissue/arthritis is present. Did you consult with a surgeon? When a joint is fused (arthrodesis) the abnormal bone and tissue is removed and a metal plate is implanted or the joint is fixed with pins and wires. A small dog could do really well with such a surgery. If the damage to the joint is severe then amputation would probably be easier on her in the long run.
Did your vet give you an opinion?
Pam
