Tripawds Three Legged Dog & Cat Forum Archives
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8:01 pm
Members
1 December 2013
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I have a tough decision to make soon regarding my 13 week old Norwegian Elkhound, Beauregard. He has a congenital defect that has caused his wrist bone to simply not grow on one front leg. (If you look closely at my avatar picture you can see the "lump" on his leg where the bones are out of alignment.) The specialist has never seen a case like his, and has consulted with several other specialists on what would be best for him. He originally thought Beau could wait until he was fully grown, and then they would fuse his wrist and elbow. However, Beau’s wrist has gotten worse much faster than anticipated. The specialist has therefore given me 3 options.
Option 1: do nothing until he is fully grown, while trying to minimize injury, and hopefully the original fusion plan will work.
Option 2: we attempt a low probability of success surgery to shorten his radius and align all of his bones.
Or, option 3: amputation.
I am truly having a difficult time making a decision! I know that he will have a full life as a tripod, but it is still a hard decision. I told you Beau’s story, because I wonder about your pup's experiences with corrective surgeries. One of the fears I have is that I will put him through option 2, the low probability surgery, only to have to put him through yet another major surgery. My other great fear is that he will be in chronic pain from the surgery if it is “successful.” The specialist has, of course, left the decision up to me, but seems to be quite unsure about his future prospects for pain.
Also, the other problem with the surgery is the high probability of Beau developing arthritis on the repaired bones. I feel llike the specialist smoothed over the long term issues that a tripod may have because of the additional stress on the remaining limbs. Which further causes me to question whether arthritis in one limb may not be better than in three.
I would like to know your opinions on the matter since you have had to make a similar decisions for your babies.
Thank you to all who reply!
8:39 pm
Team Tripawds
Administrators
25 September 2009
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Welcome! Your future forum posts will not require moderation.
Every dog is different. Our Jerry lost a front limb to cancer at age 8, and Wyatt lost a rear to neglect at 8 months. At such a young age Beau may never know he was born without his spare if you proceeded with amputation. We are not vets, but too many times we have heard from people who put their dogs through multiple painful expensive surgeries trying to "save the leg" only to proceed with amputation later.
You might consider seeking another opinion or posting in the Ask A Vet forum for professional feedback regarding amputation at such a young age. Be sure to bookmark Jerry's Required Reading List for lots of helpful links or download Tripawds e-books for immediate answers to the most common recovery and care concerns.
Please keep us posted!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
6:31 am
I am new here but I feel I can offer some advice that was given to me way back when I adopted a young pup with the prognosis of amputation ..... the orthopaedic surgeon said amputation at 6 months of his *hind* limb as this was considered to be the earliest age for his body to be sufficiently developed to cope as a three limbed dog. And I also know that a front limb amputation is considerably harder for the body to bear than hind limb so I fully concur with the previous posters suggestion about the young age of your pup. I might not be qualified but I have a couple of decades of experience under my belt and if you have a vet who is suggesting front leg amp at weeks old.... well, I think a more qualified opinion is needed before decisions are made based on a vet who.... has never seen a case like it. Good luck with pup.xx.
6:39 am
If you are in the UK have you tried Stone Lion? Or one of the Royal Vet colleges? Stone Lion are a specialist orthopaedic hospital and the colleges have the cream of the top vets because thats where the teaching happens and also they might offer you a discount as they often use subject as case studies, its worth a try. Theres a bell ringing in my head..... lack or inhibition of bone growth... drugs... what drugs has your dog been given please as some can severely impair the growth .... sorry, I am very tired but I know that there is a common drug that when given to young animals will impair growth plates.... drug history, its important... was he given any long terms drugs.... I will check my vet manuals....
5:11 pm
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Bucketeers
22 February 2013
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Hi Beau! You are incredibly cute!! Adorable!
'Hate that you're javing to go through so much as sich a young age, but mighty glad you have such a dikigent advocate watching out for you!
I can't offer specific insight intoyour pup's situation, other than to validate what you already now. That is, whenever.. and if...you decide to amputate, Beauregaurd will adjust very well.
As many here will attest to...I highly recommend a second opinion. It may help you get more clarity on which path to take. Your confusin and uncertainty is COMPLETELY nderstandable! After a second evaluation, I think you'll feel more confident in making a decision.
I agree with Ribbon as far as amp. surgery so early. I'm certainl no vet, but it seems that other situatins here with upies require that they reach at least six months.
Arthritis is so ething you can be proactive avout vrom the get go. You can give him supplements as he gets older and you can always try and make sure he doesn't do crazy wild things that could ut additi al stress on his joints.
Just know...a deep kowing...that you will make a right decision with Beau. Try and get that second opinion and PLEASE keep us posted!
Can't wait to see more pnotos when you can! Tomorrow will work just fine!!
Take care and give yourself a hug! You're doing great!!
Sally and Happy Hannah
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
