Hi everyone,
My name is Melinda and yesterday I had to make the decision to amputate my min pin's right rear leg. Otis is 8 years old and very stubborn. In January I bought a new bed. This bed was a bit higher than the old bed that Otis was used to jumping up into. Realizing this, I bought a wide, high set of doggy steps. 2 hours and several treats later, Otis was conquering his new steps like a champ. We worked them into our nightly routine. 5 weeks ago, Otis decided he wanted to do things his way and jumped up onto the bed. He missed and bounced off fracturing his right leg. I was advised to see an orthopedic surgeon, but the only option I was given was over 2 hours away. Car rides are really stressful on Otis. The vet said we could try casting it and hope it would heal. I added tums to his diet to increase his calcium levels and followed all the vets requests. To avoid separating him from his younger-bigger (85 lb) brother Rosco, I bought him a pack n play. This allowed them to be in the same room and see each other, while still keeping Otis crated.3 weeks into the cast, I felt like something wasn't right and requested an early X-ray. My gut feeling was right, the set had slipped. I found an orthopedic surgeon within 25 miles and made an appt. with her. Otis went into surgery and had a plate with 6 screws into his leg. I followed all the directions (and keeping a min pin calm isn't an easy task), but before the stitches could be removed, I again asked for another X-ray...the plate snapped in half. Yesterday we revisited the orthopedic surgeon and talked about an external fixator. I asked many question and considered the 14-16 week recovery, vet check ups every other week (including adjusting the pins and bandage changes). Otis is a Blue Min Pin and tends to get skin infections easily. This was a big risk with the external fixature. After speaking with the surgeon for almost 2 hours, I decided it would be best for Otis to remove the leg. This was one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make. I keep having my moments where I just start to blubber like a baby, but I know deep down inside, it was best for him. His surgery was done yesterday and I was able to pick him up in the afternoon. There was a good bit of whimpering last night, but he woke up this morning in great spirits. I am looking forward to his healing and learning to adjust with his new life. Any advice for adjustment is appreciated