Hi there and welcome. I’m sorry you are going through this and totally get how upsetting and stressful it is to find yourself in this situation. 

This sounds like the same break my Meg had, an intracondylar, or Y fracture. In her case this was caused by a condition called IOHC, where the bottom of the humerus hasn’t formed properly. Hers was repaired relatively successfully (she’s a much bigger dog, around 33 pounds) using plates, pins, wires etc, but nonetheless in less than three years she’d developed end-stage arthritis. My understanding is that this is pretty much inevitable with elbow fractures as there are so many surfaces involved. We tried an elbow replacement as the IOHC affected both her elbows and amputation was therefore ruled out for her. This was ultimately unsuccessful and she lost the leg almost three years ago when she developed a chronic infection in the joint. 

In short, elbow fractures are a nightmare, as I hardly need to tell you. I was extremely worried about Meg losing her leg, especially after all she had already gone through and given that her remaining front leg seemed so precarious. I was also worried about how she would cope as she is an extremely active dog and came to Tripawds posting just as you have. I now look back on the day of her amputation with a feeling of immense relief. That was the start of everything getting better. There was absolutely no suggestion of Meg feeling depressed. On the contrary after all the interventions, discomfort etc, I’m sure she was thrilled to have the bum leg gone. She came hopping out of the hospital and never looked back. 

I didn’t crate her. I was fortunate in that I was able to ensure that she was never left alone. The crucial thing is that Cookie is able to rest and be peaceful. If you’re taking her out and about in a baby sling certainly in those first couple of weeks, I would think that might be a bit over stimulating, but you know Cookie. Confining her to a small room or section of a room, as Karen suggests, when you are not able to be with her might be better. Given her previous reaction to the crate, I think I’d be inclined to try and avoid it. 

As for using her paws, she will definitely adjust. She sounds like such a smart dog and I’m sure she will enjoy playing games such as those by Nina Ottosson and My Intelligent Dogs. Meg’s remaining front paw is pretty much like a hand and it’s quite amazing what she can do with it. She also uses her nose a lot to move things etc and she remains a committed digger...

Cookie will be fine. She will be more than fine. She will amaze you with her capacity to adjust and relish her life on three. As for doing the right thing, this is of course your decision but from my own experience I can tell you hand on heart that I am absolutely certain that you are. Do check out Meg’s blog, and especially the videos, you will see that life on three can be every bit as full of joy as life on four. 

Thinking of you and sending love,

Meg, Clare and Angel Pie xxx