Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
Tripawds is your home to learn how to care for a three legged dog or cat, with answers about dog leg amputation, and cat amputation recovery from many years of member experiences.
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Sadie is 13 and 6 months ago ruptured her back right leg. It was too far gone to operate. She got used to limping on 3 legs after a while and had her verve in life back. During the past 3 weeks the leg has dropped and now as she limps the paw of back right is doubled back and drags on the ground ... so the part touching the ground and scrapping is the TOP of her paw. £ days ago it was very sore and I could see how the skin was broken and one of her toes inflammed. Have taken her to Vet this morning and they say that for the pad to be dragging like that it means there is now also nerve damage.
Typing this through the tears: Three choices: do nothing but keep her indoors for the rest of her life. Euthanasia. Amputation (but of course risk of anaesthetic and after op infection and bad healing of wound due to age ...
Hi Sadie and family, I'm so sorry to hear about your accident. When you say "rupture" what do you mean though? I'm curious.
What does the vet say about her candidacy as Tripawd? We've had many senior dogs do fine after surgery, a few were Sadie's age. As advanced and safe as anesthesia is these days (if you have a good vet), there are still no guarantees of a complication-free recovery. I know it's a scary thing to think about for a senior dog.
Before considering amputation, have you thought about rehabilitation therapy? Many dogs have gotten use of their leg(s) back after a qualified rehab vet worked with them. Generally it takes at least 6 months of dedication to daily sessions (at home and in a clinic) to get mobility back.
In the meantime there are options available for covering her paw so she doesn't scrape it. Many dogs with neurological issues use something called a "thera-paw" bootie to cover the affected foot and keep it from getting scuffed up.
Before considering amputation I would definitely get a consult with a rehab vet. If you are unfamiliar with how to choose one, this blog post about choosing a qualified rehab vet can help.
Thanks for joining us here, I'm sorry you had to though. We hope to offer you a place to turn to as you make this big decision.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I met a Boston Terrier at the park two days ago who was 12 and had nerve damage in her front leg/paw. She had a splint on the leg and the end was covered so it looked sort of like a peg leg. Her mom said she got around fine- she doesn't run, but was getting around just as well as my 12 year old pug with arthritis. The Boston was not a candidate for any kind of surgery because of other health issues.
Maybe something like that would work?
Karen and the pugapalooza
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