Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Good afternoon all,
I have a small dog (5.8kg) who came to me at 5 weeks old, he is missing his front left leg from birth and last year was diagnosed with bilateral hip dysplasia but worse on the left side. Just turned 3 years old
We have managed his symptoms conservatively with hydrotherapy and physiotherapy only for the last 15months but this last month he has deteriorated and is now on twice daily paracetamol and once daily metacam. He has been seen by his ortho specialist vet who suspects arthritis starting in his left hip which is causing his pain and mobility issues.
Unfortunately the vet and also his hydrotherapist haven’t any experience with 3 legged dogs having any hip surgery due to the difficulties in recovery. The hydrotherapist has even discussed him with groups of peers who also would advise against it due to weight distribution during recovery.
I guess my main question is has anyone ever had any hip surgery on a front limb missing dog and what are their experiences? Or would people advise going with continued conservative management?
Thank you,
Jodi and Nemo
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Hi Jodi and Nemo, welcome. I approved your post here so Dr. Pam can chime in with her vet expertise, but please consider starting a new topic here so that we can follow along wiht your journey more closely.
Where are you located?
I guess my main question is has anyone ever had any hip surgery on a front limb missing dog and what are their experiences? Or would people advise going with continued conservative management?
Many Tripawds have had remaining leg surgeries and recovered well. It takes a skilled surgeon and a dedicated rehab team and pet parent to make it happen. Check out these stories for some insight:
Thank you very much.
I’m trying to learn and get as much information as I can, so I will have a look at those stories.
We are in SouthWest England.
jodiandnemo said
Thank you very much.
You are very welcome. Be sure to log in when visiting the forums and your posts will not require moderation. For help finding all Tripawds resources and a tutorial video for using the forums, start here .
Since this is a small dog I assume they are talking about an FHO surgery where they remove the diseased hip joint vs a total hip replacement. Dogs typically recover quite quickly from an FHO so in my opinion I would say go ahead with surgery.
Pam
Thank you. FHO hasn’t been suggested specifically but we are trying again with conservative management, starting from the beginning with hydro and physio. I think I’d rather get surgery done when he’s younger as being a people nurse this makes the most sense for an easier recovery.
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