Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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My Pug Bonnie has been battling a mast cell tumor in her left front leg for the past 5 years. Chemo and radiation have done a nice job of keeping the cancer contained but we've reached the point where it no longer is working and the oncologist suggests that her leg be amputated. Does anyone know how well a pug will tolerate this type of surgery? Can my chubby little pug really get around on one front leg (I would think she would be pretty top-heavy!)? And at age 11 is this surgery really a wise move? My vet thinks there may even be a chance that they could fit her with a prosthesis after a couple of weeks as they only intend to remove the leg up to her elbow. But needless to say, I'm a bit hesitant to put her through this if it would only cause her more pain.
Any suggestions would be most appreciated!
bailey1 said:
Does anyone know how well a pug will tolerate this type of surgery?
If anyone can answer that, it's Karen (krun15). Her tri-pug hero Maggie fought mast cell tumors for years, and managed quite well on three legs. Maggie was a rear leg amputee, but also an older gal. Be sure to review the early posts in her blog to get her whole story. Here's our video interview with Karen and Maggie.
Also bookmark Jerry's Required Reading List for lots more advice and recovery tips. We're sorry to hear about Bonnie, but glad you found us. Thanks for joining and best wishes with the decisions you face.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Bonnie and pack,
Welcome to Tripawds. Sorry to hear you have come to this point with Bonnie.
Only you can answer if the surgery is a good move at age 11. If Bonnie is otherwise healthy and happy then I think it would be OK. We have a member here, JAMES, who recently had a front limb amputation at 17! It is important to keep her weight down (yea I know… pugs). I was worried about my pug Maggie adapting to 3 legs because she was not an adaptable dog. She hated any change in her routine. She took a little longer than some to come around, but she did fine.
I would do a little more research on the partial limb amputation and possible prosthesis- most dogs to fine on 3 legs, however leaving part of the leg can cause problems. And I haven't seen any good information yet on dogs doing well with a prosthesis.
So- Admin guy gave you the link to Maggie's blog. Mag was a rear amp, but she thrived for 3 years and 9 months after her amp. I lost her 4 months ago to a second, unrelated cancer. I also know of another front amp pug in my area who gets around fine even though she is VERY overweight (which is being worked on).
There is another member here who has a French Bulldog front amp who is battling MCTs. The pup is Pixie, and her mom is Alicia (she posts as alicia) HERE is a link to some of her posts and some topics she has posted in.
Sorry I don't have too much time this morning as I am at work. Feel free to send me a Private Message (PM) if you want to talk more, and I will check back here when I can.
Karen and the pugapalooza
p.s. I hope you don't mind I added a little to your topic title to let other members see what info you are looking for.
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