What a tough decision.  We have a seven year old daughter and four year old son, both of whom were very attached to our Rottie/Shepherd mix who was diagnosed with cancer.  Our daughter had seen the "Miracle Dogs" movie (referenced in admin's link) at her grandmother's house before we had even contemplated amputation for Chance, so when we began discussing it, she was excited we might have our own 'miracle dog.'  We watched lots of the videos on this site, and I even showed her the post-amputation photos so she would know what the surgery site would look like when he came home.  Unfortunately, I cannot say how well our preparation worked since lung mets were discovered in Chance's pre-op workup and we were unable to go through with his surgery, but my daughter still talks about 'three-legged dogs' and asks to watch the videos on this site!  Good luck with your decision.

Thank you for taking the time to answer.

We have had differing opinions from vets. As you can imagine, we have asked for more than one opinion! Majority believe amputation is the best – but the surgical vet says he thinks she would be a good candidate. Would hate to think that we put her in more pain than she is already in!

As she has been using this damaged joint for nearly 2 years there is a fair amount of scar tissue and arthritis in the joint. She runs on it anyway – guess she doesn't know any different! If the joint is fused, will it be harder for her to get around? How about just sitting down and curling up on her mat? She is a very cuddly girl – don't want to make it too hard for her!

Thanks for your questions Pam. I will get back to vet and ask some more myself! We had pretty much prepared ourselves and our daughter for the amputation and then we were given this option – has caused more worry and concern if we are doing the right thing!

Not sure how pricey these surgeries are in the US – we are in Australia and looking at $2500 or more….Not that we wouldn't pay it if we thought it was the best for her! But, you do have to wonder – if it doesn't go well and end up looking at amputation anyway….

Thanks again,

Kerri

I would do whatever you think will cause less pain in the long run.  My poor Kess suffered in pain for 2 years before her amputation.  Now that she's pain free she's even happier and crazier than ever before.  I know for us it was the right choice.  I don't know anything about fusing the bone, but I would take into account the level of pain she would experience both now and later in life.  My kiddos are young so other than a few funny concerns about getting their arm cut off next time they have to go to a Dr, they adjusted just fine. 

What a great learning experience you can turn this into for children! It's so important for everyone to not focus on what humans often perceive as a "disability" and instead look at the wonderful "ability" our tripawd dogs (as well as people with physical challenges) display.

If you do this, everything else falls naturally into place

My neighbors, six & four year old girls, were outside when I brought Isabelle home after her amputation. They had a lot of questions & were  interested in how she was going to walk, etc. Once they saw her walking later that day, they wanted to see her sutures, but really just wanted to pet her as they always had. Several days later, we were leaving & they asked if Isabelle was going to work (they were used to her going to her Therapy visits.) I said we were going to the doctor. The four year old excitedly asked "to get her leg back?" The six year old smacked her arm & said "No, then Isabelle would be sick again, she doesn't need her stupid leg"

Thank you to everyone who has replied. We have decided not to decide just yet! Wait until the surgeon gets back to us with some answers. We really appreciate the time you have all spent thinking of us.

Will keep you posted!

thanks,

Kerri