Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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My 11 month old pup, Jett, underwent a hind leg amputation at 3 months old due to trauma. Cause of trauma unknown as he was turned into shelter with the trauma. Rescue pulled him & took him to vet who amputated leg.
Jett recently presented with painful remaining hind leg. I took him to vet who sent me to orthopedic surgeon. Xrays showed fracture of the femural head AND necrosis of the femoral head. FHO or THR were recommended to give Jett pain-free mobility. Has anyone had either of these surgeries on your dog's remaining hind leg?
FHO is less risky but less mobility. THR is riskier but better mobility. I'm trying to decide which Surgery would be better for my dog.
Jett is a 65 lb male doberman who is the sweetest boy. Before he became so painful he was a typical active boy that ran around like he had 4 legs.
I really appreciate any stories of dog's that have had either the FHO or THR surgery & the outcome of their surgery.
Hi Sherrilyn, welcome to you and Jett. Your future posts won't need to wait for approval so post away.
I'm sorry you are facing the remaining leg surgery decision. It's not uncommon around here, as you'll see from these stories about Tripawds who had remaining leg surgeries. Also see this post for a long list of Tripawds who have been through it.
As you can see, it's possible to get through either of these surgeries successfully. But a big role in success is the surgeon, and the rehabilitation therapy team. Does the surgeon and the clinic offer a full-service rehab therapy center? I'm not saying it's impossible to have a successful outcome if they do not (see Frankie's story), but it ups the odds of an easier recovery for both you and Jett.
When you say FHO is less risky but less mobility, and THR riskier but better mobility, who provided that information to you? Was it the surgeon who actually saw Jett or stuff you found online? As you know, all dogs are different so what might be risky or not to one dog can be the opposite for another.
Whenever someone is in doubt about a situation like this, multiple opinions are always best. If you have another board-certified veterinary surgeon specializing in orthopedics that you can take Jett to, that would be ideal.
I hope this helps! Stay tuned for feedback from others.
The surgeon actually told me that THR has more risks but a better outcome for function. I am very concerned about trying to keep my boy on crate rest for the next 4 weeks for the THR.
One other question I have I about getting a doggie wheelchair . Does anyone have experience using a wheelchair to help rehabilitation of your dog after a THR?
Ah ok glad it was the surgeon who mentioned that Info. We always learn from others experiences here!
Meanwhile about the wheelchair ...a rehab therapist is the best person to guide you. Your pup may not even need one ... can't recall any Tripawd who needed one during recovery, so don't buy anything until you connect with a therapist. Wheelchair companies have a no refund policy usually.
Keeping an active dog busy during any kind of recovery is challenging for sure! Check out the interactive brain games ideas for some ways you can help him stay mentally happy during that time.
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