Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi there,
Just got back from the vet, and I have the X-ray pics. of a normal hock vs Serge. Surgery is scheduled for April29, and the vets decided that it would be better for little Serge (as he is still very young), if they took the leg off at the knee (or immediately below). There will be a fraction of the blood loss with this approach, compared to taking the whole leg off. My very big 70th birthday is on the 29th April. My philosophy professor (a long time ago) told me that there is no such thing as coincidence.., so I will consider to be an "auspicious !!!" date.
You can see clearly from the x-rays where the problem is..namely, no hock...
I'll be asking for advice re: post surgery as the date draws ominously closer..
Have a Good Weekend....
Richard
Normal hock.. From one of her text books..Lower X-ray Serge..
"No matter how eloquently the dog may bark, he cannot tell you that his master is poor, but honest".....Bertrand Russell
Ohhh little Serge! I know you're going to do just fine. You'll be so glad when that bum leg is gone.
Richard, I want to throw this out there just 'cause I have a big mouth 
and I've had some experience reading about the Tripawds members who coped with the long-term effects of partial limb amputations. So take this for what it's worth and remember I'm not a vet...
A partial is great if the dog will have a prosthesis, that's definitely what you want to do, but you also want to consult with a company like Orthopets before surgery to ensure it's being taken off in just the right place.
But most partial amputations, moreso with front legs but it does happen with rear leggers, are prone to long-term complications like infection and incomplete healing. Oftentimes when this happens the dog has to have a second surgery to have the limb removed completely. I'd hate to see that happen to Serge so you may want to get another opinion about the surgery.
We've talked about this many times here and this discussion, Non-scapular vs. Scapular amputations, has a lot of info in it. I realize it's talking about front leggers, but the premise is the same. Again, take it for what it's worth, we'll be here for you no matter what and cheering Serge on for a great recovery.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Jerry,
We have another appointment in a couple of weeks for his booster shots, and I'll talk to her then. She said that he is young and healthy, and because I am there 24/7 (my wife is still "gainfully employed"), we can ensure a safe recovery. To the best of my knowledge, I don't recollect her mentioning a prosthesis, but she did discuss the rear harness.
Thanks for the input. I'll send her an e-mail over the weekend, asking for her views on partial healing, infection, and having to put the little guy (unnecessarily) through full amputation at a later date, if problems arise. This is a really first class practice, for both large (farm animals) and small animals. Sort of a PEI version of "All Creatures Great and Small". The "large animal" vet came in just as we were leaving, and it certainly wasn't snow on his rubber boots...!!
Take Care and have a good weekend
Richard
"No matter how eloquently the dog may bark, he cannot tell you that his master is poor, but honest".....Bertrand Russell
Hi Richard, just want to add my support to your very young, handsome pup Serge......all our furry friends do very well with amputation.....I also want to say that Jerry has given very good, knowledgable advice, regarding amputations in our canine companions. In all my years that I worked for my group of great veterinarians, they never performed a partial amputation, and I have seen many, due to cancer, accidents, and birth defects. But obviously, this is a personal decision, and one you need to thoroughly discuss with your vets.
Keep us posted on his upcoming surgery, and keeping you in my thoughts.....
Bonnie & Angel Polly
Unless you are ordering a prosthesis I would strongly recommend a mid-femur amputation. This is actually pretty easy in a pup and might be what your vet is talking about rather than taking the leg at the hip. Removing the leg below the knee(stifle) is not a good idea (unless you are looking into a prosthesis) for the reasons that Jerry mentioned.
It looks like he is quite young based on xrays so I would probably amputate in April as planned and neuter at 1-2 years of age to allow for full bone growth/development unless you run into behavioral issues.
Pam
tazziedog said
Unless you are ordering a prosthesis I would strongly recommend a mid-femur amputation. This is actually pretty easy in a pup and might be what your vet is talking about rather than taking the leg at the hip. Removing the leg below the knee(stifle) is not a good idea (unless you are looking into a prosthesis) for the reasons that Jerry mentioned.It looks like he is quite young based on xrays so I would probably amputate in April as planned and neuter at 1-2 years of age to allow for full bone growth/development unless you run into behavioral issues.
Pam
Hi Pam,
In retrospect, she did say above the knee. I was trying to get the photo of the x-ray, while she was talking about the surgery. My wife confirms that she was talking about the femur. I apologize for the "below the knee" comment, and put it down to my advancing years, and diminishing attention span...lol... He is a young puppy (just 10 wks) as you so rightly said....If he tries to mount our 4 1/2 yr old female GSD, he will be put down "big time". She is already teaching him manners, and setting boundaries. It is quite fascinating to watch..
I'll keep you updated
Richard
"No matter how eloquently the dog may bark, he cannot tell you that his master is poor, but honest".....Bertrand Russell
Just wanted to say welcome and lucky Sergeis tomhaveyou as his human companions!
He sounds like a delightful youngster!
Keepusposted and kow that we are all here fornyou! zwelcome tomthe famiky!
Hugs!
Sally and Happy Hannah
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
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