Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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I hope this question fits the requirements. My dog Giles (11 yrs old, 28lb Terrier Cross) has a severe sprain on his back leg and a Partial Tarsal Arthrodesis surgery was recommended. We discussed splinting and several vets and surgeons said based on his X-rays, it is extremely unlikely to help.
Giles has Addison’s disease and is at higher risk of complications going under General Anaesthetic.
The surgeon said that there is a small risk the surgery won’t be successful and Giles will need another surgery to remove the metal plates, bringing us back to square one.
We’ve spent $1300 so far in care and diagnosis, the estimate for surgery is $5000, and then there will be a few months of follow-up care which my vet estimates could be about $1500-$3000.
Giles has been injured for 4+ weeks now and seems pretty happy using 3 legs. Is it extreme, or wrong to wonder if he would be better off with an amputation considering the risks of surgery?
Please forgive me if this is nuts to even ask, I really just want to do what’s best for him. The money is a huge issue for sure, but I will find a way to pay it if it’s the right thing to do.
Thanks very much for any help, we're just very nervous.
Hi Joni and Giles, welcome! I'm so sorry you are faced with this decision but you've come to the right place.
I'm going to let Dr. Pam chime in here, because I know she has experience in this area. For now, has amputation been discussed with any of the vets you've talked to? If so, do they think Giles is a good candidate? Has Giles worked with a canine rehabilitation therapist at all? It's a good idea to get an opinion from these PT experts too.
No, it's not extreme at all to wonder about it as an option. Many people join us after a long, complicated orthopedic procedure that didn't work out as they had hoped, and they ended up needing to amputate anyways. So it makes sense to have this on the table, even for a dog in Giles' shape.
Thank you so much for getting back to me so quickly. None of the vets suggested amputation as an option, but I was told by a vet friend in another province that they often don't suggest it at first because pet owners don't take kindly to it. I would open to it if it was a better course of action for Giles, so I'd love to hear what Dr. Pam has to say.
Thanks again so much,
Joni
Ah you sound Canadian?
That's an interesting reason why vets might not suggest it, that's news to me. Of course nobody wants to amputate but when it's the best course of action to preserve quality of life, and someone's finances, a client has a right to know it's an option.
If you had trouble logging into the Forums let me know OK? I see you signed on as a guest.
I assume your dog tore a ligament in the tarsus (ankle) or they probably wouldn't be recommending fusing the joint with a metal plate. In general this procedure is quite successful in smaller dogs but amputation is also very reasonable with an easier recovery. In any case if he does need anesthesia make sure to increase his prednisone or hydrocortisone prior to surgery if your vet advises it.
Pam
The surgeon called it a severe sprain, and the joint is mobile where it should be immobile. It's been 5 weeks as of yesterday, and just this morning I saw him choosing to walk on that leg across the entire living room (up to now he's never taken more than two steps), but he started hopping again when he wanted to go faster. It makes the decision harder because it's giving me hope, whereas all of the doctors who've seen him said it won't heal on its own and splinting would very likely only be a temporary fix if it worked at all.
Thank you for your advice (and yes Jerry, I am Canadian!). It's so hard to know what the right answer is, so getting your thoughts is a big help.
Joni
Aww poor guy. I know, these dogs are so super stoic, it's hard to make decisions like this when they are trying to tell us "Hey I got this!" even though we know better.
Just for another point of view, why not consider having him evaluated by a physio therapist? Generally they see things differently than surgeons because physios are all about the least invasive therapy that makes sense, while surgeons tend to lean on what they do best, which is surgery. I can point you to a good physio near you if you'd like. Yep, they're even in Canada! But then I also understand if you're done with vet opinions at this point, sounds like you've been to quite a few places.
After speaking with a few other "Dogtors" and a physio, we've decided to go ahead with the surgery. It feels like the (potential) best plan for Giles' long-term quality of life, so I'm going to try my best to trust in the pros and hope everything goes well.
That said, if you do have a recommendation for a physio in Manitoba I'd love to hear it! Giles may need follow-up care and the one we spoke with is apparently retiring soon.
Thank you both again for all of your thoughts and advice, it really was helpful.
Not able to give any ins of value on your situation, just want you to know we are all cheering for Giles. He certainly sounds like a spunky fella'.
Ypu have done your research, talked with the professionals and you now jave a plan to move forward. Good job.
When is the surgrry?
Update us when you can.
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
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!
Joni_1 said
That said, if you do have a recommendation for a physio in Manitoba I'd love to hear it! Giles may need follow-up care and the one we spoke with is apparently retiring soon.
You've done your homework, and we are here to support you every step of the way!
I see therapists in Winnipeg, and Brandon, does either city work?
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