Tripawds Three Legged Dog & Cat Forum Archives

My dog has one bad back leg that is affecting his ability to get around.  The doctor is recommending amputation.  However, he is 11 years old, almost 12.  He has degenerative disk disease with 2 mineralized disks.  He is not using his one good back leg as he should and frequently turns the paw under and does not self correct.  We have done acupuncture and laser therapy with minimal results.  He is obviously in pain even though he is on 3 different pain medications.  Finances are a concern, but taking them out of the decision making, here are my concerns.  The surgery and recovery are going to be hard on him.  I am not sure how much more his good back leg can take.  I don't want to be selfish and put him through all this and not improve his quality of life.  I don't know that all of his pain is 100% from that leg.  I don't know how much pain is from his back and from his good leg that is beginning to fail.  I want to do what is best for him and not what I selfishly want.  I went for a second opinion, and I don't know were to start to make an informed decision.